Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Is energy efficency the best reason to choose Fluorescent Light Bulbs?

To answer the question of how Light Bulbs work?.. well in this instance Fluorescent Light Bulbs work by using a combination of argon gas and mercury. Ultraviolet radiation is then produced that bombards phosphorus material which allows light to be emitted.

Fluorescent Light-Bulbs (Example).

Compared to incadexcent Light Bulbs , Fluorescents are very efficient, mainly because they produce a limited amount of heat. Their average lifespan is around 10,000 - 20,000 hours.

One downside is that they are more expensive than Incandescents but because they are much more energy efficient the costs are recouped over an average lifetime. (Please also see SAFETY WARNING below).

Recently there has been an upsurge in the popularity of Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL`s). Similarly Led Light Bulbs and energy efficient light bulbs are also very fashionable.

As their name suggests they are more compact than their "Big Brother" the Fluorescent so generally they can be used in more every day devices such as... Lighting Fixtures :).

Another downside is that the glass part of the bulb is slightly more bulkier in general than other bulbs but technology is moving along quickly where this is concerned and the bulbs are becoming smaller and neater in appearance. (Please also see SAFETY WARNING below)

A good tip is to use them where the bulb is`nt too much on display.. such as inside a light fixture that has a bowl or multiple bowls.. anywhere in fact where they won`t be noticed.

*SAFETY WARNING*

Fluorescent Light Bulbs contain very small amounts of mercury.

When your bulb dies please DO NOT throw it in the trash can. Find out if your purchasing store takes in your disused bulbs or take the bulb to a site that takes in hazardous waste disposal where it can be recycled by professionals.

If one of the bulbs breaks please do not hoover up the pieces i.e. the broken glass etc. Once again the outlet where you purchased the bulb will be able to advise you on what steps to take..

It is very advisable to find this information out before you make your purchase, so that you will know what to do should you have the misfortune of a breakage occurring. Also, and of equal importance, you will know how to dispose of the bulb once it has expired.

I`m sorry to have found it necessary to end on a serious if not sombre note but I think you will agree that when it comes to safety we cannot be too careful.

Happy Light-Bulbing! :).

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