Can I replace the dimmer switch for my track lighting with a regular on/off switch and use CFL bulbs in it?
I have track lighting in my tv room that is controlled by a dimmer switch. There are 4 fixtures on the track.
I use indoor reflector bulbs that burn out often. I am tired of replacing these bulbs as it requires a ladder to reach them.
I would also like to save energy and money.
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As long as the fixtures can take the CFLs you can just replace the dimmer with a switch. Dimmable CFLs do not work like a regular light bulb does. They just get about a quarter dimmer than full and die. Whereas a regular bulb will go down to maybe 80% dimmer than full.
You sure can
You will not get the same ambiance created by the reflective but you will save money and you won’t be changing them near as often
Yes you can use a regular on/off switch in the place of the dimmer. If you do install the CFL lighting, you will have to do that anyway since one cannot operate CFL’s on a dimmer. A regular $1.39 light switch will do.
Replacing it is very easy. Turn off the power, take switch plate off, and look at the switch – if you see tow wires attached get a switch with room for two wires (the usual).
Even easier there are dimmable CFL lamps that cost more than the non-dimmable ones. You can even get them as reflector bulbs. That gets you down to just unscrewing the old bulbs and putting in the new CFL ones.