Fluorescent lights can be an energy-efficient way to light your home. They often provide better lighting than regular incandescent bulbs, and they last anywhere from six to ten times longer. Longer-lasting lights are more economical and energy efficient, which will help you save money in the hardware store and on your electric bills.
According to some statistics, those homes that use fluorescent lighting will consume about twenty-five percent of the energy that those with incandescent light bulbs use. In fact, fluorescent lighting has the potential to pay for itself after twelve months of use if these lights are turned on for around two hours each day.
The look and style of your fluorescent lights are important, and what you choose depends on where you want to place the lighting. Make sure your fluorescent lights will fit into the sockets you currently have in the room in which you want to place them. The lights should have conversion information on the package so you know you are buying the right lights for your home.
You should also consider the kind of lighting you need. If you will be using fluorescent lights in a den, library, bedroom or work room, you will want to select a cooler shade of lighting to help you see better late at night. These fluorescent lights might be labeled "daylight" as opposed to "warm white".
Fluorescent lights can be found in spiral shapes, tube shapes and circular shapes. Spiral shaped lights are known for providing light similar to those of incandescent bulbs, and can fit in many light fixtures that traditionally shaped incandescent bulbs fit. Tube-shaped lights fit into certain lamps and ceiling lights, while circular lights are usually placed in reading lamps.
You will want to make sure that you purchase long-lasting fluorescent lights that won't emit a buzzing noise. It's a good idea to invest a bit more money for lights that meet these criteria rather than choosing the cheapest kind available, and you should choose locations that will require frequent lighting in order to get the maximum return on your fluorescent lighting investment.