LED dimmer switches are a great way to make your home more energy-efficient. They can also save you money on your electric bill, which is why many people have been installing them in homes across the country.
But there’s one big problem: they’re expensive! In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons that make Led dimmer switches cost so much and what you can do about it if you want to install these types of lights in your home.
So why are Led dimmer switches so expensive?
Generally, the price of an led dimmer switch will be 3 times to 10 times when compared to regular light switches due to led dimmer switches having more components and a more complex circuitry.
Another reason for the high price is that a good portion of the dimmer switch market is controlled by just a few companies.
Let’s get into the details!
1. Led Dimmer Switches Contain More Components
Led dimmer switches are pricier than regular light switches because they contain more components.
This reason helps explain why led dimmer switch price is so high, but it doesn’t tell us the whole story.
Led dimmer switches to contain extra components such as a dedicated capacitor, variable resistors, and a driver that allow them to be dimmed.
For example, the in-built variable resistors help to lower the current of the circuit while the capacitor helps to smooth out the current and prevent surges.
Having these components makes led dimmer switches more expensive than regular light switches, but it doesn’t make them more expensive by a lot.
There are usually some additional technologies that are installed to reduce electromagnetic interference and to prevent overheating.
All in all, it’s important to remember that led dimmer switches are more complex than regular light switches and contain more parts.
2. Branding
Another reason that led dimmer switches are expensive is branding. Some companies charge a premium price for their products regardless of what they do or how much they cost because consumers are willing to pay more for the luxury of having their brand associated with it.
LED dimmer switches can be expensive due to branding because the companies that manufacture them have a captive audience.
In many cases, customers are locked into these types of lights so they will be forced to pay a premium price if they want them.
In some cases, the reason that these companies are able to charge such high prices is that they are the only companies that make led dimmer switches.
For example, if you want to buy a wireless lighting control system then Leviton is the only company that you can buy them from because they are the sole manufacturer of these technologies.
But getting these expensive brands is not always a make or break as they usually have incredible technical support teams and customer service personnel who will be there to help you if anything goes wrong.
This is one reason why led dimmer switches are so expensive, but it’s not the only one.
3. Led Dimmer Switches Have Components That Allow Smart Integration
Another reason why led dimmer switches are expensive is that they have components that allow them to be integrated into smart homes.
Some of such components include an extra power line carrier which allows them to be controlled by a wireless controller.
These extra tech components make led dimmer switches more expensive but are absolutely worth it if you want a smart home.
In addition to the extra tech components that help them to be integrated into smart homes, led dimmer switches also have a built-in system that allows your lights to respond automatically when you leave or enter your home.
For example, you can set up a smart light system that will automatically turn off when you leave the house and then turn on when you come back.
This is one great reason why you will have to pay a little extra for your led dimmer switches.
Also, they have the capacity to receive over-the-air updates which allows them to be updated with new features.
All in all, led dimmer switches are expensive because they have components that allow them to be integrated into smart homes. This includes an extra power line carrier which allows for wireless control as well as the capacity to receive over-the-air updates. You can find them affordable led dimmer switches at Amazon.
4. Quality Of The Capacitor
When we talk of led dimmer switches, one important factor that we often forget to take into consideration is the quality of the capacitor.
Some capacitors are more long-lasting and heat resistant than others. Unfortunately, a superior capacitor is more expensive, therefore the dimmer switch must also be more expensive.
The reason why a better led dimmer switch contains a higher-quality capacitor is that it helps to prevent damaging current surges.
The capacitor not only reduces the overall wattage of your light but also makes sure that there is no damage caused to your lights.
For example, if you have a light system that has 12-volt diodes then there will be no problem if the capacitor is of poor quality.
But when you have lights that are 12-volt, then a high wattage light with an extra power line carrier, you need to make sure that your capacitor is of good quality.
As a matter of fact, the best led dimmer switches are the ones that have a capacitor with high-quality components.
5. LED Dimmers Switches Require A Professional Installation
Another reason why led dimmer switches are expensive is that they require professional installation.
In fact, it is next to impossible to install them without the help of a professional electrician.
Trust me, my first installation was a nightmare as I did not know much about the led dimmer switches – as I assumed it would be almost the same as installing regular light switches.
I even had a few professionals mess up the job completely when I reached out to them for help.
The fact is that they are different and require more time, effort, and know-how to install them properly.
Since they need professional installation, led dimmers switches are expensive as you have to pay some extra bucks to the electricians.
6. Led Dimmer Switches May Require Special Circuitry
Another reason why led dimmer switches are expensive is that they may require special circuitry.
In fact, whether your home uses a single-pole or three-way circuit will determine the cost of your led dimmers.
Single pole circuits are easy to install and do not require special circuitry; therefore they are less expensive.
Led dimmers for three-way circuits, on the other hand, require you to install a relay box.
This is the main reason why led dimmer switches are relatively more expensive than regular light switches.
But, if you plan on buying them, then make sure you hire a professional electrician to install them.
That way, the cost of installation will be covered by the extra bucks that you will be spending on the led dimmer switches.
7. Led Dimming Systems Have To Be Custom Designed For Each Room
The final reason why led dimmers switches are expensive is that they have to be custom designed for each room. This can cost you more money mainly because you have to have a different circuit for each room.
This means that you cannot simply install the same led dimmer switches in every room.
In fact, you have to make sure that they are custom designed for each room so your lights can be dimmed properly.
Otherwise, you will end up with a room that is either too bright or one that has very low light.
In fact, if you have a home that has multiple rooms then led dimmers switches can cost you even more money.
How To Get Led Dimmer Switches For A Good Price
Now the next obvious question is how then do you get good quality led dimmer switches without breaking the bank? The answer is quite simple;
Research
First, try to do your research and make sure you are buying from a reputable seller who has good customer reviews.
This way, you will not end up with a product that does not meet your needs.
Good Warranty Cover
Second, look for a good warranty that covers the led dimmer switches.
This way, even if you end up with a faulty product or one that is not compatible with your setup, you can easily send it back for a replacement.
Bulk Purchase
In addition to the above, buy in bulk to get good discounts on the led dimmer switches. The is certainly going to help you save some good bucks.
This way, even if the led dimmer switches are expensive to begin with, buying them in bulk can help you cut your costs.
Negotiate
Fourth, try to negotiate with the seller.
There is a good chance they will offer you some discounts if you buy more than one led dimmer switch. Also, chances are the seller will be willing to work something out if you negotiate a good deal.
Shop Online
Finally, try to buy your led dimmers switches from places like Amazon or eBay where you can find good deals. You will be able to compare prices and find a good deal.
All in all, remember, the key is to do your research and make sure you buy from a reputable seller who offers a warranty cover and is willing to negotiate a good deal.
Final Thoughts
There are many different reasons why led dimmer switches can be quite expensive and why they require professional installation.
But, if you plan on buying them then make sure that the led dimmer switch is compatible with your home and that you have a professional electrician install them.
This way, the cost of led dimmer switches will be covered by the installation fee and you will end up with a quality product that can be installed properly.
Make sure to keep these tips in mind as you shop around for the best led dimmer switches on the market.
