Technology and Uses

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Since the invention of fluorescent lighting technology in the late nineteenth century, this type of lighting has been commonly used in commercial structures, while incandescent lights are more common in homes. This is due to the fact that fluorescent lights are bulkier and take up more space due to the integral ballast in the bulb. Because they produce more light with less energy use, facilities that have space for fluorescent fixtures have accommodated the larger lights in order to take advantage of savings on utility bills. Until the 1970s, fluorescent bulbs were only available in the long tubular format we see in many schools and offices. This style of light was simply not practical for homes. Improved technology, and the invention of the smaller electric ballast have led to the development of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). CFLS are no larger than a regular incandescent bulb, which allows them to fit in normal lamps and residential light fixtures. These bulbs allow homeowners to finally take advantage of the reduced energy use of fluorescent lighting.

Energy Efficiency

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According to the U.S. government's Energy Star website, compact fluorescent bulbs use 75 percent less energy than a regular incandescent model. By switching to CFLs, consumers can reduce their lighting bills by 75 percent each year. This can mean a significant reduction in utility bills. In addition to the cost savings, the reduction in energy use is also of great benefit for the environment. Reduced energy production means fewer fossil fuels are being burned. This helps to reduce global warming and protect the earth's atmosphere from greenhouse gases.

Disposal

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One major concern over the use of fluorescent bulbs is the presence of mercury inside the bulb's tube. Contact with this substance can cause mercury poisoning, and mass disposal of fluorescent bulbs may lead to mercury contamination of water and air. To help reduce this risk, the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association has limited the amount of mercury that can be used to 1.5 mg per bulb. This low amount will have minimal or no impact on homeowners if the bulb is broken. While disposal is still a concern, the reduction in energy use associated with fluorescent bulbs actually results in a 75 percent reduction in mercury emissions from power plants. This means that even factoring in risks from disposal, the fluorescent bulb results in less mercury pollution than the incandescent bulb, which contains no mercury in the bulb itself.

Quality of Light

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One common concern with fluorescent bulbs is the quality of light produced. It is often duller, more yellowed and not as bright white as the light produced by other types of bulbs. In addition, fluorescent bulbs tend to get even dimmer over time. As CFL technology improves, this problem is gradually going away, but the stigma of poor lighting quality is still associated with fluorescent bulbs. In addition, these bulbs are poor candidates for dimmer switches, which are popular with many homeowners. While some newer CFLs are designed for dimming, they are not as effective as incandescent bulbs. Dimmable CFLs often have a very small dimming range, and may only cycle through bright or dim modes, with no additional options.

Cost

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Many people are hesitant to try fluorescent bulbs due to the higher upfront cost, especially compared to the ultra low prices of the average incandescent bulb. According to Energy Star however, replacing a single incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent version will save $30 over the life of the bulb. The CFL will also last about 10 times longer, meaning fewer trips to the hardware store and less time spent replacing bulbs. This $30 savings includes savings on energy bills as well as replacement costs, and represents the savings for a single bulb. In the average home, which likely has well over 10 light bulbs, switching to all CFLs will save about $300 a year

However, LED's are the most efficient way to go even though the cost is a bit greater.  If you think about it, the life of led's compared to most, out performs that of any conventional bulb or florescent lighting.  They have a life span about 35,000 to 60,000 hours and conventional bulbs last about 3,000 hours.  compared to the time and money spent on replacements and energy loss, you can see why LED's are on their way to replacing many if not all light source out there today..

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