I am asking if dimmer switches really use less or save on electricity or not? I ask, because an electrician who does electrical work for a friend of mine told him that they don't save on electricity. I have toggle style dimmer switches for most of the ceiling lights in my home.

So, does anyone have the straight dope on this? Also, are certain kinds/types of dimmer switches better to get than others?

Thank you!

It's simple, if you lower a load, with resistance, or frequency, the amp draw lowers, as will the watts proportionally, which is what the utility measures to bill usage.

How about some public domain information:

Dimmer switches save energy (http://www.carolinacountry.com/StoryPages/howtos/Dimmer/dimmer.html)

8 Simple Steps To Saving Energy (http://electrical.hardwarestore.com/learning/8-simple-steps-to-saving-energy.aspx)

BC Hydro - Power Smart for Business - Questions & Answers (http://www.bchydro.com/business/investigate/investigate880.html#2)

Electricians have so many other things to keep track of, we don't spend time trying to keep up with all new micro technology that evolves, most obviously solid state. Controls change so fast and do so much more, and the amount of products available are staggering.

I can say that dimmers with large heat sinks to dissipate normal heat created will last the longest.

Thank you for your answer and explanation, above! I was hoping that you would come along! I just wanted to here about it from an expert!

Thank you for the kind words. I really do appreciate the recognition. I am passionate about this stuff, it's all I know.

Glad to help.

Thanks.