As often as this blog suggests the use of dimmer switches, we thought we should give you a little more information on what's available. There are several different types of dimmer switches, with some being easier to install than others. While they all give you control over the level of light in a room, some provide finer control, while others are simpler to operate. If that sounds confusing, don't worry. Here's the breakdown:

• Rotary – Probably the oldest and most basic, these switches replace a regular wall switch and allow you to control the level of lighting with the turn of a knob. These usually double as an on/off switch—either push them like a button, or turn the lights down until they click off.
• Sliders/Gliders – Another manual switch, these vertical knobs start at the top and slide down to dim the lighting. Much like the rotary switch, the knob is usually also a push-button that can turn the lights off or on.
• Plug-in – The easiest to install – just plug it into an outlet, and plug a lamp into the switch. A rotary knob on the plug-in unit controls the lamp's light output.
• Push-button – A little more high-tech than rotary or slide dimmers, push-button dimmers have one or more buttons set to a pre-programmed level of light.
• Touch – Like push-button dimmers, these switches are programmable – just select your pre-set lighting levels, and then simply touch the plate to dim the lights.
• Remote control – This self-explanatory switch allows the convenience of controlling the lights from anywhere in the room.
• Integrated Control Systems – The most high tech and customizable, this type of system requires some extra funds and a professional installation. You can wire just one room or an entire house to be controlled from a single push-button panel or remote control.

As you can see, there are dimmer switches to fit every budget and DIY comfort level. With the potential energy savings of turning the lights down a single notch—not to mention the ability to set the mood of a room—adding dimmer switches should be on everyone's home improvement list.