Fluorescent Bulbs - Efficient and Effective

Fluorescent bulbs are not the same as the ordinary incandescent bulbs you are used to using in your lamps and light fixtures. These bulbs have electrodes at each end of a fluorescent tube that is filled with gas. As the electrons flow through the gas, they give off ultraviolet light. Compact fluorescent light bulbs of 20 watts produce as much light as a 75-watt standard bulb. Imagine the amount of light you can have from your reading lamp with one of these bulbs for less electricity costs! There are many advantages to using fluorescent bulbs for your lighting needs such as:

• They do not give off as much heat as the regular light bulbs
• One bulb produces between 50 and 100 lumens per watt
• They are six timed more efficient because they provide more light
• They last a lot longer

What to look for when choosing light bulbs

There are several different varieties of these bulbs and although the initial purchase may be more, using them will save you money over the long term. You will not need to buy as many replacement bulbs because they last up to 10 times longer. They are also available in a large variety of sizes and shapes so it is not difficult to find the ones you need for your lamps and light fixtures.

Some people like to use the compact fluorescent bulbs in hard to reach places, such as in high entranceways or over stairwells. You also have to make sure that if you want the bulb for use indoors you don't mistakenly buy bulbs intended for outdoors. You can also have dimmer switches and timers with these bulbs, just as you would with the regular ones.