Benefits of Using Fluorescent Lamps in Your Home

Fluorescent lamps were once rarities inside people's homes. In recent years, however, they've become hugely popular choices for residential lighting as they offer the a number of valuable benefits.

1. Affordability

The typical fluorescent light bulb will last about six times longer than the typical incandescent bulb. Therefore, with fluorescent lights, you only need to buy one-sixth as many bulbs as you would with those old-fashioned lamps. In addition, fluorescent bulbs require about 66 percent less energy than their incandescent counterparts. Thus, when you switch from incandescent to fluorescent lamps, your annual household energy expenses significantly decrease. Afterall, lighting is responsible for approximately 25 percent of the average home's electricity consumption.

2. No Heat

Fluorescent lights emit much less heat than incandescent lights. That makes the fluorescent option safe for spaces containing pieces of equipment that are adversely affected by heat. These bulbs also help to keep homes from getting even hotter during periods of hot weather.

3. Positive Effects on the Environment

A building with fluorescent lamps releases less greenhouse gas than a building that's lit by incandescent lamps. Further, when a town or city increases its level of fluorescent lighting, the local power plant doesn't need to supply as much energy. As a result, that plant will emit fewer pollutants.

What's more, homes that rely on fluorescent lighting have many fewer light bulbs to throw away because fluorescent bulbs last for such a long time. And that's great news for a planet with ever-diminishing space for landfills. On top of that, you can recycle fluorescent bulbs to prevent the bulbs from leaching harmful mercury into landfills.

4. Versatility

Fluorescent lights can be used indoors and outdoors. They can illuminate large gathering spaces as well as the intimate nooks and corners of your home. And nowadays, you can buy dimmable and three-way fluorescent lamps.

5. A Boost to Plant Growth

It might sound surprising, but fluorescent lights can actually help your houseplants to flourish. In particular, fluorescent bulbs that measure between 4,000 and 6,000 Kelvin are ideal. Such bulbs provide the entire color spectrum, and that kind of light stimulates botanical development — especially in plants that thrive in medium to low levels of light. Indeed, with such lighting, you might even be able to cultivate a small vegetable garden inside your home.