Replace your light switch with a dimmer switch. Lighting can be very important to the mood of a home. Having more control of how much light a room has can effect the way you feel. Changing out static light controls to dimmer switches is easy and can give you the ambiance you are looking for in a room. CFL (compact fluorescent bulbs) are available in a dimmable feature.

How it's done

Tools: Screwdriver, neon circuit tester, needlenose pliers

Materials: Wire connectors, masking tape

1. Turn off the power to the light switch or turn off the main power.

2. After you remove the mounting plate, unscrew and carefully take the old switch from the box. Be careful to hold the switch by mounting strips.

3. Make sure there is no power coming to the circuit with a neon circuit tester.

4. Carefully remove the wires from the old switch.

5. Gently straighten the circuit wires and cut off the ends leaving about 1/2 inch of exposed wire.

6. Using the wire connectors, connect the exposed circuit wires to the dimmer switch. The two wires can be connected to either lead on the dimmer switch.

7. Fasten the switch to the box and replace the mounting plate.

8. Turn the electricity back on. Set the dimmer switch to just the right mood or intensity.