Fluorescent light bulbs offer consumers a significant benefit when compared to regular light bulbs or incandescent light bulbs. There are many different types of fluorescent lights on the market. The most popular version is compact fluorescent lighting bulbs. This type of bulb is similar in size to a regular old fashioned light bulb but instead the light comes from a coiled or twisted tube. T12 and T8 bulbs are used in long panel mounts. These are commonly found in office spaces, department stores, schools, industrial, and commercial spaces. T5 bulbs and T5 HO bulbs were designed to replace the outdated T8 and T12 bulbs. T5 technology offers many upgrades and benefits especially when a large amount of fixtures is needed to light a space. There are many determining factors as to how beneficial fluorescent lights really are for an average consumer.
Cost
Fluorescent lights cost more to purchase but less to operate. The cost savings should ultimately be calculated after taking into account that fluorescent lights last about ten times longer than incandescent lights and help cut down on the need to purchase replacement bulbs as well as on the labor to replace bulbs. Fluorescent lights also generate about 70% less heat in comparison to regular bulbs so they assist in cutting down on cooling costs too.
Energy Savings
The cooling cost savings isn't nearly as remarkable as the electric cost savings. Fluorescent lights require 2/3 less energy to operate. The savings is immense when a large space like a warehouse calculates these cost benefits.
Environmental Impact
It is estimated that every time someone exchanges one regular bulb for a CFL or compact fluorescent light bulb they are helping prevent cut down on 450 pounds of emissions from power plants. Out planet needs every little bit of help it can get. This amount of emissions might not seem like much when one bulb is considered but it is said that if everyone in the United States were to switch over to CFLs they could force 80 power plants to close down. If everyone in the world were to switch over, they could force 130 power plants to close their doors.
Disposal
Speaking of a positive impact on the planet, fluorescent lights must be disposed of properly because they contain a small amount of mercury. Please do not throw fluorescent bulbs into a regular trashcan. Contact your local waste management company for information on how to properly dispose of these light bulbs.
As you can see the benefits to using fluorescent lights is numerous and in many different areas. The initial investment on the bulbs will be returned to you in tri-folds for the life of that light bulb. If one light bulb can do so much, imagine what one hundred or one thousand could do.
