There are many different types of light bulbs that are out there on the market but the one I am going to talk about and explain today is the fluorescent tubes kind.
These light bulbs are gas discharge lamps that use electricity to excite mercury vapor; they require a ballast to keep the power flow running correctly throughout the bulb. These bulbs tend to be more expense than the usual ones but then makes up for it with the lower energy costs. They usually last longer than other equivalent types of bulbs, fluorescent tubes tend to be bigger than others but they work very well.
Fluorescent tubes give off a lot less heat than other types of lights therefore meaning that in hot climates or hot weather you will not get as hot just from the light being turned on.
Another advantage for fluorescent tubes is that they have a much longer life span than many other bulbs, this life span can last up to 20 times longer than the standard equivalent which will definitely help with running costs and also costs for replacing the bulbs as you will not need to replace them as often as other bulbs.
Even though fluorescent tubes can have a very good lifespan there is a disadvantage which is if you turn the lights on and off frequently the lifespan of the bulb will be cut dramatically which can end up costing you more money in the long run buying more. So it is advised if you are using fluorescent tubes that you use them in places where once you turn the light on you expect to have the light on for longer than an hour at a time.
Another disadvantage for the fluorescent tubes are that they can be a health and safety risk, if they are broken then they can let out small amounts of mercury which can be very hazardous so if the tube is broken then it is recommended that the glass is picked up using wet paper towels and then disposed of in plastic sealed bags to stop anything being contaminated with the mercury.
Fluorescent tubes work best when they are in rooms that are at room temperature and if they exposed to higher or colder temperatures then this efficiency is severely disrupted which can mean that in cold enough places the bulbs may not turn on at all.
Another problem with these tubes are that they are subject to flickering which can become very annoying or it can be hazardous to people sensitive to flickers for example people with epilepsy. The flicker occurs if the fluorescent tubes are using magnetic mains frequency ballast which do not just give out a normal steady heat, they flicker very fast to keep their light up. So if there are any interruptions to the ballast then a flicker may occur.