Lutron eco-dim dimmers guarantee a minimum 15% savings on energy costs compared to standard switches. Previous Lutron wall box dimmers used in lighting control and home automation systems produced only a 5% minimum savings. The significant increase in energy efficiency created by the eco-dim dimmer means more compounded savings for the homeowner. Over a five year period, families can expect to save anywhere from $42.95 to $157.02 per room. That is a great deal of money if we consider that most custom homes have square footages easily exceeding 15,000 feet. Lutron eco-dim dimmers and Lutron Radio Ra dimmers will also extend bulb life 3X beyond the expected life expectancy. This compounds savings on energy costs with additional savings gained through less frequent maintenance and bulb replacements.
Dimmer technology itself isn’t new, it is simply improved. The basic design of the dimmer switch continues to operate along the same general concept around which it was invented. Dimmers work by partially interrupting the current that passes through an incandescent light bulb’s tungsten filament. This reduces both heat and the amount of light emitted by the bulb. Eco-dimmers are the most sophistated devices of this type to date. They can make bulbs last up to 10 years, reducing both landfill waste and CO2 emissions in the process.
It has been estimated that if every home in the United States installed just one Lutron eco-dimmer, it would reduce C02 emissions equivalent to the exhaust from over ¼ million cars.
The amount of power you will save with dimmer controls like a Lutron Grafik-Eye dimmer is determined by several factors. The first of these factors is the actual number of bulbs you use with the controller. Some people only want lamps or ceiling lights tied to a dimmer switch so they can adjust general lighting in the kitchen, bathroom, or living room. This approach to dimmer technology no doubt saves power to a degree and allows the homeowner to set the level of ambience to a variety of moments and occasions. However, the full power of an eco-dimmer control is only unleashed when tied to the sophistication of a home system integration network such as AMX or Lutron HomeWorks. These networks combine basic automation with user friendly manual control and ultra convenience.
Lutron eco-dim dimmers are ideal to use in conjunction with AMX system integration technology or Lutron HomeWorks technology because they are designed to interface directly with both the lights and the central control unit. They add flexibility to pre-programmed lighting controls and allow you to manually adjust lighting levels for a specific activity or mood. Entire lighting scenes can be pre-programmed into the central home decorative lighting controller and automated to activate at certain times of the day or night. The homeowner can then adjust any individual light on the control network using an eco-dimmer switch, fine tuning the general or art lighting in each room according to his or her personal preference.
Many people ask us why it would even be necessary to make such manual adjustments to a lighting control system that is fully automated and intuitive to homeowner needs. The answer is simple. Natural sunlight is beyond the control of automation and home networking systems. While AMX does offer shade controls that can open and close blinds so that natural sunlight is blocked, some people like to blend natural light with the artificial illumination of indoor lighting. This is common in the dining room and kitchen during breakfast time. A homeowner will have the system programmed for one or more breakfast lighting scenes, then use eco-dimmers on the wall to make slight adjustments to recessed lighting, cove lights, under cabinet lights, and ceiling lights until the optimal balance between natural lighting and artificial lighting is achieved.
For any eclectic homeowner looking to combine the ultimate in convenience with the world’s latest energy saving, “green” technology, eco-dimmers are definitely a component to request in a new home lighting control or system integration system. Illuminations Lighting and Design is a licensed electrical contractor that installs both Lutron and AMX and multi-specializes in all forms of indoor and outdoor lights or lighting design services. We can develop a comprehensive, personal control system for your home that fully expresses and compliments the individual tastes and lifestyle choices of your family. Call us now toll free at 800-863-1184 for a complimentary consultation or livit our lighting blog.
Illuminations Lighting Design is the only “One Stop” destination for lighting design, engineering, landscape lighting services and installation in the state of Texas, and remains unrivaled by any lighting firm in the United States for lighting that is art. As homes grow larger and needs become more complex, having a single resource provides home owners with peace of mind. This translates into a smoother process, reduced costs and a better product.
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