Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescent Lighting Usage

There are not many homes that use fluorescent lighting as their main lighting fixtures. The lighting resulting from fluorescents can be relatively harsh, so it does not make for an elegant setting. These lights are sometimes used in the less social portions of the home, such as in garages and basements. Fluorescent lights are quite common in business buildings and other public establishments. Movies laughingly portray many cubicle workers as suffering under the blinking influence of fluorescents, but not every fluorescent lighting system is so harsh.

Popular Versions

Fluorescent lights come in a variety of versions beyond the well-known office lighting.

• Black Lights - These lights are popular in college dormitories and dance clubs. Black lights give white light a purple color. These lights are easy to purchase.
• Sun Lamps - These lights are used for tanning. There is controversy regarding the health benefits or detriments of using sun lamps.
• Plant Lamps - These lights are used to promote photosynthesis within plants, encouraging quicker growth.
• Film - Special fluorescent lighting is used to protect film as it is being developed.
• Outdoor Lighting - Many cities use fluorescent lighting for outdoor lighting, and many homeowners utilize this type of outdoor lighting as well. Fluorescent lights are popular for landscaping, floodlights and other lighting, both at residences and on city property.

Purchase Lights

Many different companies sell fluorescent lighting to the public:

• American Fluorescent offers products for both home and commercial use. They specialize in lighting for bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways.
• Brodwax Lighting specializes in energy efficient lighting products and specializes in kitchen lighting for the home.
• Sea Gull Lighting evolves fluorescent lighting to include decorative sconces and other gorgeous fixtures for the home. This company produces intriguing and decorative pieces that can be used throughout the entire home as well as in a business setting.

Many Fixtures Available

Some companies are able to offer light fixtures for fluorescents which are quite attractive and do not bear a resemblance to the flickering examples people are used to. Recessed lighting, track lighting, and various forms of accent lighting can all be found within fixtures made for fluorescents.

Energy Efficiency

Fluorescent lighting can be quite energy efficient. Kits can be purchased that will allow homeowners to install this type of lighting within the home and possibly save quite a bit of money on energy costs. Some forms of fluorescent light bulbs, however, pose an environmental dilemma due to the mercury content within the bulb; the disposal of these types of light bulbs is not as easy as dumping the burned-out bulbs into the trash.

Before installing fluorescent lights within the home, check with local environmental regulations to make sure there are suitable methods for local disposal. If environmental reasons are the only motivation for using fluorescent lights, then it may be better to look into alternative lighting methods, such as solar lighting or other possibilities.

Fluorescent lights are much more versatile and commonly used than most people think. If the idea of fluorescent lights within your home appeals to you, then you may want to consult with a lighting specialist to see if the switch is feasible for your lighting needs.