Nothing kills a vibe faster than an overhead light that’s too bright. Swapping in a dimmer switch can change that. Whether you’re watching a movie, having friends over, or trying to relax after work, adjusting the brightness makes spaces more comfortable. The good news? Installing one is surprisingly doable; it’s an affordable, useful project that won’t eat up your entire weekend. Before you get started, make sure you have the tools you need: flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, wire strippers, a voltage tester, and a compatible dimmer switch. Take a second to check that the dimmer matches your bulb type, especially if you’re using LEDs. Some models don’t get along with certain bulbs, and it’s better to know now than when the job’s half done. Cut the power at the breaker, and flip the light switch to ensure it’s off. Then, test the wires with a voltage tester. Once everything’s safe, remove the switch cover and unscrew the old switch. You’ll see a few wires inside — black, white, and ground. If it looks confusing, just snap a quick photo before disconnecting anything. That way, you won’t have to guess where everything goes later. Attach the wires to the new dimmer switch using the provided nuts. Tug gently on each one to ensure it’s secure. Note that some dimmer switches are bulkier than regular ones. You’ll need to fold the wires back into the box without cramming everything tight against the back. This will make installing the switch cleaner and help avoid stress on the wires. Screw the dimmer into place, snap on the faceplate, and turn the breaker back on. Now test it. Slide or turn the dimmer and see how the light responds. If it fades smoothly, you’re all set. If the light flickers or buzzes, chances are the bulb and dimmer aren’t playing well together. Just double-check the dimmer’s compatibility list. Dimmer switches improve lighting and reduce energy use. Depending on your setup, this might also help your bulbs last longer. Once you try it in one room, don’t be surprised if you start eyeing the rest of the house.
Easy Tips for Installing a Dimmer Switch Bring on the Mood Lighting
DON’T WAIT FOR THE FREEZE: WINTERIZE YOUR HOME NOW
GET ANNUAL MAINTENANCE You should inspect and update a few items every fall before cold weather arrives. Check the insulation in your attic or basement for signs of deterioration. Issues with your insulation will cause your home to lose heat and your pipes to freeze. One of the most important things you can do is have a heating and cooling company inspect your HVAC system. The last thing you want is for your furnace to go out during the coldest night of winter. Having a professional look over your unit will help you address any issues that could compromise your warmth. PREVENT DRAFTS Walk through your home, closely inspecting each window, outside-facing door, and electrical outlet. If you notice drafts, you need to address them immediately. Apply weather stripping or draft blockers to any gaps you see. If you feel drafts from electrical outlets, they may need additional insulation.
HEAD OUTSIDE Before snow, ice, and freezing temperatures appear on the radar, you may need to tackle projects outside. Remove debris and check for leaks in your gutters to prevent water damage to your home’s exterior or foundation. Remove branches that could fall on your home or power lines during a storm. Cover outdoor faucets to prevent them from freezing over. CREATE AN EMERGENCY KIT Even with all the preparation in the world, you can still face an emergency, which is why you must have an emergency kit ready. It should include non-perishable food, water, blankets, light sources, and first-aid supplies. You could also include portable chargers, extra batteries, and a battery- powered radio to cover all your bases.
Before long, winter will be here, bringing colder temperatures. While we hopefully won’t have to worry about a big winter storm like we saw in 2014, we still should take extra precautions to protect our homes from the frigid conditions. October is the perfect time to winterize your home. We’ve gathered a few ideas to help you prepare in case you don’t know where to begin!
2
• 678-252-2525 • SRHomes.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator