Options for dimmable CFLs

Daox · 09-26-08, 07:17 AM

Alright, I got my first utility bill this week and its time to start cracking down on the energy useage. So, I'm first looking to convert most if not all lights in the house to CFL. However, the previous owners went a bit crazy with the dimmer switches. This means either going with dimmable CFLs, which would be nice in some areas, or replacing switches. Does anyone have any good leads on dimmable CFLs? They look to cost a good deal more. Maybe it would be best to replace some switches? I really don't need a dimmable ceiling light in the bathroom...

Tony Raine · 09-26-08, 09:43 AM

looks like dimmable costs twice as much. a simple light switch is a buck or 2.

i say use dimmable in places you really, really, want a dimmer. otherwise, i think you'll be cost ahead (and payoff ahead) to just buy regular cfl's, regular switches, and switch plates.

for example, i don't have any kind of dimmer in my living room. if i want the room lit up like christmas, i turn on the overhead light. if i want softer lighting, i turn on an endtable lamp or 2. btw, i replaced all bulbs in my house (and a yellow bug light outside) with cfl's.

but a dimmer in the bathroom? creepy........

Daox · 09-26-08, 10:00 AM

lol, I know. My only guess was that the previous owner liked to take dimly lit baths or something.

dremd · 09-28-08, 09:38 AM

Don't forget that most dimer switches use normal wall plates (check) so your cost to convert th standard switches my be lower . . ..

If you like dimmers then just buy the dimmable ones IMHO

Daox · 10-01-08, 09:21 PM

I really could care less about the dimmers in most cases and will end up replacing some of them with standard switches. However, I did hit the local store tonight and picked up a slew of dimmable CFLs. I have 3 ceiling fans which use 4 bulbs each, so thats 12 right there plus a bunch of other ones. The store only had one kind of 60w equivalent dimmable and they were in packs of four for $15. But, I also found that there were some standard 13W bulbs in a pack of four on sale for $4! Not too bad.

Now, I just have a few fixtures left that are fairly low useage to deal with besides the recessed lights in my kitchen which are par20 lights. Still trying to find a good replacement there (they are on a dimmer too). If you have any ideas or sources lemme know!

ac7ss · 11-01-08, 04:59 PM

Replacing switches is not that expensive. With faceplate, it is just about $0.70 per switch. It is possible to do the work in about 5 minutes with a screwdriver and flashlight.

I do recommend that you turn the breaker off for the light before working on it unless you want the 2 second permanent.

Always use electrical safety precautions when working; insulated tools, somebody within shouting distance, and one hand in your pocket for example.

I do recommend replacing certain switches with turn-timers; Bathroom fan, garage light, closet lights, etc. They will pay for themselves with longer bulb life and only being on for 1 hour instead of 6.

09-26-08, 07:17 AM	#1
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	Options for dimmable CFLs Alright, I got my first utility bill this week and its time to start cracking down on the energy useage. So, I'm first looking to convert most if not all lights in the house to CFL. However, the previous owners went a bit crazy with the dimmer switches. This means either going with dimmable CFLs, which would be nice in some areas, or replacing switches. Does anyone have any good leads on dimmable CFLs? They look to cost a good deal more. Maybe it would be best to replace some switches? I really don't need a dimmable ceiling light in the bathroom... __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

09-26-08, 10:00 AM	#3
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	lol, I know. My only guess was that the previous owner liked to take dimly lit baths or something. __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-01-08, 09:21 PM	#5
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	I really could care less about the dimmers in most cases and will end up replacing some of them with standard switches. However, I did hit the local store tonight and picked up a slew of dimmable CFLs. I have 3 ceiling fans which use 4 bulbs each, so thats 12 right there plus a bunch of other ones. The store only had one kind of 60w equivalent dimmable and they were in packs of four for $15. But, I also found that there were some standard 13W bulbs in a pack of four on sale for $4! Not too bad. Now, I just have a few fixtures left that are fairly low useage to deal with besides the recessed lights in my kitchen which are par20 lights. Still trying to find a good replacement there (they are on a dimmer too). If you have any ideas or sources lemme know! __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

09-26-08, 09:43 AM	#2
Tony Raine Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 57 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	looks like dimmable costs twice as much. a simple light switch is a buck or 2. i say use dimmable in places you really, really, want a dimmer. otherwise, i think you'll be cost ahead (and payoff ahead) to just buy regular cfl's, regular switches, and switch plates. for example, i don't have any kind of dimmer in my living room. if i want the room lit up like christmas, i turn on the overhead light. if i want softer lighting, i turn on an endtable lamp or 2. btw, i replaced all bulbs in my house (and a yellow bug light outside) with cfl's. but a dimmer in the bathroom? creepy........

09-28-08, 09:38 AM	#4
dremd Need More Eco Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Scott, La Posts: 172 Thanks: 2 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	Don't forget that most dimer switches use normal wall plates (check) so your cost to convert th standard switches my be lower . . .. If you like dimmers then just buy the dimmable ones IMHO

11-01-08, 04:59 PM	#6
ac7ss Eco-Apprentice Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Pugetropolis, WA Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Replacing switches is not that expensive. With faceplate, it is just about $0.70 per switch. It is possible to do the work in about 5 minutes with a screwdriver and flashlight. I do recommend that you turn the breaker off for the light before working on it unless you want the 2 second permanent. Always use electrical safety precautions when working; insulated tools, somebody within shouting distance, and one hand in your pocket for example. I do recommend replacing certain switches with turn-timers; Bathroom fan, garage light, closet lights, etc. They will pay for themselves with longer bulb life and only being on for 1 hour instead of 6.