All About Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescent lighting is not a new technology. However, the fluorescent choices available today are far different than what was available even five years ago. Much of this advancement has come in the area of compact fluorescent light bulbs, which are more commonly referred to as CFLs. A CFL bulb is pictured here.

Fluorescent lighting is produced when an electric arc excites the gas in a glass tube, which ultimately causes the phosphor coating of the bulb to glow. This process is assisted by a small amount of mercury, which is about 4 milligrams per bulb in the case of CFLs. CFLs allow fluorescents to be used in many applications where incandescents are common, often using a standard screw base just like an incandescent bulb.

Fluorescent light tends to look different from incandescent. This is because fluorescent sources tend to have a higher color temperature, which means that their light does not have that same yellowish glow that comes from incandescent sources. Some people prefer this cooler white light, especially for things like reading, preparing food and seeing different colors very clearly, like in a closet or while putting on makeup at the bathroom mirror.

Their advantages include a longer lifespan and a higher lumens per wattage output (more brightness with less energy used), while the downsides include a less versatile light source that is typically less desirable on the color spectrum than higher-wattage incandescents as well as the fact that they must be disposed of in a special way and can be dangerous if they break because of the small amount of mercury.

Using compact fluorescent bulbs can make many standard light fixtures even more energy-efficient! Are you hesitant? Try swapping out the bulbs in light fixtures located in closets, attics, garages or laundry rooms first. These fixtures might not be used every day, but the longer-lasting CFL bulbs ensure you will not be changing burnt-out bulbs as frequently. If you like what you see, the sky's the limit--you can use CFLs in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, outdoor areas and so on!

Need more advice? Give our trained lighting specialists a call at 1-866-688-3562 or contact us on social media. 

Emma Harger-Young - Lights Online