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We all need light bulbs to light up our homes. But, they can sometimes run up high electricity bills. But, now with the help of technology, you can save energy and money both. Fluorescent Light Bulbs is the latest type of bulbs that helps you to save energy and your hard earned money. This latest invention in light bulbs has revolutionized lighting and what more, it’s simple, cost-effective, long lasting and brilliant.
It has been found that fluorescent bulbs use two-thirds less energy than ordinary light bulbs. Though they cost a little more than ordinary light bulbs, they last much longer, in fact 10 times longer than ordinary light bulbs. And they are becoming more and more popular. Now millions of offices, factories, workshops, homes, schools, universities, colleges, airports, cafes and restaurants are choosing this cost effective technology of light bulbs. Even the addition of one fluorescent bulb to your home can make a considerable difference to you electricity bill.
The reason for this big difference of long lasting and saving energy usage is that these bulbs use a different method for creating light. A fluorescent light does not use the usual glowing filament of an ordinary bulb. Instead, it uses a mercury vapor that emits ultraviolet light when ionized. This ultraviolet light creates particles that coat the inside of the tube. These particles, in turn, glow or fluoresce, thus giving out light. Fluorescent bulbs are more efficient as well. It uses around 80 LPW (lumens per watt) in comparison to the 10 or 12 LPW (Lumens per Watt) required by ordinary light bulbs for incandescence. Fluorescent bulbs also last longer, on an average up to 10,000 to 20,000 hours more than ordinary light bulbs. However, its life is dependent on the number of times the bulb is switched off and on; the more it is switched off and on, the shorter its life.
These fluorescent lamps are designed for similar lighting performance to the full-wattage lamp, but without using the same amount of energy. Also, there have been more advances in fluorescent lamp technology and as a result, the light output and rated life has extended far beyond the ones made with earlier technologies. There are a variety of fluorescent bulbs available all over the world. But, one thing to remember when shopping for an ordinary fluorescent bulb is to avoid one with rapid start ballast. Though these types will cost less than the others, they have shorter life in comparison to expensive fluorescent light bulbs. But, it’s quite alright to use rapid start fluorescent bulbs with rapid start ballasts.
Also, remember that the life of fluorescent light bulbs depend to a large extent on the condition of the electrodes, which degrade over time, and on the availability of mercury vapor. Though fluorescent bulbs have been around since the 1940s, no one has been able to prove for certain all what happens to the mercury and why. The mercury remains in the bulb but with time, it gets "tied up" with the phosphors and the glass and there is less and less available as a vapor. At first, bulb manufacturers tried to rectify this by putting a lot of mercury into the bulb. As a result disposing of a mercury-laden bulb became quite a headache or expensive, depending on local laws.
However, on the whole they are better than ordinary light bulbs. Also, they generate less heat, making them more efficient. So, by replacing all the light bulbs in your house with fluorescent bulbs, you can enjoy the same warm light quality with the added advantage of reduced energy consumption. So, though the initial cost of purchase might be higher, in the long run, the return on investment is greater.
