Fluorescent light bulbs types and styles have changed over the last few years, with many new varieties to choose from. These new types of bulbs are designed to save energy and make life easier. Fluorescent bulbs have always been energy efficient, now they have even more energy saving options. Learning what each of the types are used for will help you make the best decisions about your fluorescent lighting.

There are three different fluorescent light bulbs types and styles. Compact fluorescent lights are made to save money on energy bills. Classic florescent lights are also energy efficient, however they do require ballast to regulate currents. High-output, or full-spectrum lights, are made to give you a natural lighting feel. Consider the options below to learn about the different fluorescent light bulbs types and styles available for your business.

1. View different styles of compact fluorescent light bulbs designed to conserve electricity.

2. Take a trip into the past with classic fluorescent lights.

3. Discover the variety of high-output and full-spectrum fluorescent light bulbs available.

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Save energy with compact fluorescent light bulbs

Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs are made to fit into an incandescent light fixture. CFLs use less energy and last longer than incandescent lights. These lights can save up to $30 a month on your energy bill and are highly recommended if you want to make your home more energy efficient.

I recommend: Visit Eartheasy to browse their online catalog of compact fluorescent light bulbs. Light Bulbs Etc has a wide selection of energy efficient fluorescent lights. 1000bulbs lists compact fluorescent light bulb suppliers. View the variety of compact fluorescent bulbs available at Lee Group Marketing.

Locate traditional fluorescent lights

Fluorescent lamps are more efficient than an incandescent lamp. Fluorescent bulbs are normally used in industrial and commercial buildings. However, some fluorescent lights may be used in kitchens and home offices. Traditional fluorescent lights are available in straight tube and circular tube shapes.

I recommend: Office Depot has fluorescent lighting fixtures and bulbs in an array of styles. Find a variety of different types of classic fluorescent bulbs at Service Lighting. Visit Light-Bulb. for an array of fluorescent lighting options. Lamps Plus has an online catalog with various types of fluorescent bulbs.

Discover high-output and full-spectrum fluorescent light bulbs

High-output and full-spectrum fluorescent light bulbs are designed to emulate natural sunlight. These lights are commonly used in scientific labs, art studios and indoor gardens.

I recommend: W.W. Grainger has a variety of wholesale-priced fluorescent light bulbs. Browse the Linco website for wholesale fluorescent light bulbs with high output. Find a wide selection of industrial fluorescent light bulb fixtures at Bulborama. CSN Lighting carries many high-output and full-spectrum fluorescent light bulbs.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are an important aspect of the global campaign to create energy efficiency. Compact fluorescent bulbs use approximately 75% less energy than a traditional incandescent light bulb will lasting an average of ten times longer. Though fluorescent light bulbs are more expensive than normal bulbs, the extended running time and energy efficiency end up saving money.

Fluorescent lighting is readily available and it is the duty of all responsible business owners to begin the transition from incandescent bulbs to the eco-friendly fluorescent light fixtures. There are some important points to consider when making the change to fluorescent lights.

1. Fluorescent bulbs create 75% less heat than a traditional bulb because of the way they produce light.

2. Consider the lumen rating when choosing your fluorescent light bulbs.

3. Compact fluorescent bulbs aren't for every fixture or location.

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Differentiate between incandescent and fluorescent lights

Traditional incandescent lighting create light by heating a filament, which in turn gets white-hot and creates a tremendous amount of lost energy. Fluorescent light bulb makers have perfected a method of containing a UV gas that, when excited by an electrical charge, creates light. Because no heat is created in the process, there is very little lost energy, making them a perfect money-saving, as well as energy-saving, possibility.

I recommend: A wide selection CFL bulbs can be purchased E3 Living, which features eco-friendly lighting in a variety of designs and colors. The superstore Wal-Mart also an affordable selection of Energy Saver bulbs.

Understanding the wattage chart for fluorescent lighting

One concern new users may have is trying to determine what wattage of compact fluorescent light bulb is comparable to the traditional light bulbs currently in use. Fluorescent lighting is generally 4 times more efficient. Therefore, a 15W compact fluorescent is the equivalent to a 60W traditional bulb. A 100W incandescent can be comparably replaced by a 26W-29W fluorescent.

I recommend: Most fluorescent light bulb suppliers explain the wattage transfer on the package of their fluorescent lighting. You can find these at stores like 1000Bulbs.com, who sell full spectrum fluorescent light bulbs. Light World has a wide variety of bulbs, including the useful mini fluorescent light bulbs.

Know the restrictions of compact fluorescent bulbs

While energy saving light bulbs are well worth the effort and up-front cost, they aren't suited for everything. Most fluorescent light bulb makers recommend using the bulbs in open fixtures to allow for adequate air flow. Also, many of these fluorescent bulbs are not recommended for vibrating surfaces, so using them in ceiling fans is not encouraged. However, this is an ever-changing marketplace and progress is being made to make CFL bulbs more universally useful.

I recommend: Light Bulbs Etc. features a line of reflector lights that work better in recessed fixtures. Do It Best also offers these handy reflector bulbs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use caution when handling broken compact fluorescent light bulbs as these lights do contain a small amount of mercury. To properly dispose of a broken bulb, wrap it in a wet cloth, seal it in a plastic bag for disposal, and open nearby windows for 15 minutes to clear the air.

Fluorescent lighting is a very common type of lighting in offices and warehouses. It provides a crisp, bright white light that is easier on the eyes. It also tends to be energy efficient and long lasting, making your company’s maintenance budget go further.

When comparing fluorescent lightbulbs pricing and costs, first decide what kind of bulbs and fluorescent lightbulb fixtures you want to have. Consider these items:

1. Choose the right fluorescent lightbulb fixtures for your office's needs.

2. Consider compact fluorescent bulbs instead of the typical lightbulb to stretch your energy dollar.

3. Use full spectrum fluorescent lightbulbs for a natural glow.

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Pick fluorescent light fixtures for the office that give off a lot of light

In order to use fluorescent lightbulbs, you need to have fluorescent light fixtures already installed. Popular fluorescent light ballasts, the long, thin light fixtures, come in a wide range of prices, as there are many different varieties. These are common in offices as they give off plenty of light.

I recommend: GoodMart.com sells just about every kind of fluorescent light fixtureat prices that start at about $40 and go all the way up around $400. Global Equipment Company carries a large number of light fixtures for around $25 up to about $70.

Utilize the money- and energy-saving benefits of compact fluorescent bulbs

Compact fluorescent bulbs are those lower-priced lightbulbs that you can place in general commercial light fixtures. They are the everyday fluorescent lightbulb and come in a wide range of prices, usually depending on the size and wattage you need.

I recommend: 1000bulbs.com has many compact fluorescent lightbulbs for prices that range from around $10 to $15, depending on the wattage and quantity ordered. Check out bulbs.com for many varieties of fluorescent bulbs that start at around $1.50 and go all the way up to about $95 per bulb.

Enjoy the benefits of healthy, full-spectrum fluorescent lightbulbs

Full-spectrum fluorescent lightbulbs simulate natural sunlight, so they are not only great for your employees, but they are also good for any plants you have in the office. Because these fluorescent lights don't come in many types and sizes, the range of prices they come in are smaller, but individual bulbs are usually more expensive when compared with a 'normal' fluorescent bulb of the same kind.

I recommend: For about $5 to around $16 per piece, you can get full-spectrum fluorescent lightbulbs from BuyLightFixtures.com. When you are in the market for full-spectrum lightbulbs, check out Light Bulbs Etc., where you can get bulbs that start at around $2.50 and go up to around $14.

The fluorescent light bulb was first developed in 1856 by German physicist, Heinrich Geissler. Since then, fluorescent bulbs have become a popular lighting option in American homes. A fluorescent light bulb lasts about 10 to 20 times longer than the regular incandescent light bulb. Since much of the work is carried out by a chemical reaction, less energy is required to produce a glow. For this reason, consumers are encouraged to use fluorescent bulbs for all lighting purposes. To better understand how fluorescent lighting works, review the following key terms.

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Fluorescent lights and compact fluorescent lights

Fluorescent lights are bulbs that function by entrapping and illuminating sealed gas such as neon or krypton inside a coated tube. A compact fluorescent, referred to as a CFL, is a more convenient type of fluorescent bulb. It is usually wound into a coil or spiral, utilizing less space than classic fluorescent lights. CFL's use about 75 percent less energy than regular incandescent bulbs.

I recommend: How Stuff Works explains the makeup of the fluorescent bulb. Charity Guide describes compact fluorescent lights and how they can benefit you as well as the environment.

Cathodes

A cathode is an electrode used in fluorescent lighting systems to transfer electric current. The current causes the cathodes to send out electrons that electrically charge the gas contained in the tube. Cathodes can be cold or hot. A cold cathode means that the cathode is not heated independently.

I recommend: Learn more about Cathode lighting through Cathode Lighting Systems. Treehugger.com explains the difference between cold cathodes and hot cathodes.

Ballast

An electrical ballast is a mechanism used to regulate the amount of current in an electric circuit. The ballast supplies the initial electricity to the fluorescent bulb. It then regulates the amount of electricity flowing through the bulb so that it emits the proper amount of light.

I recommend: Refer to State Compensation Insurance Fund for more on ballasts.

Starter

The starter is a small metal canister that has bimetallic contacts. The starter contains the inert gas and allows current to flow from one cathode to the other. When the cathodes reach operating temperature, the starter contacts open and the tube emits light.

I recommend: Read more about the starter at nemesis.lonestar.org.

LPW

LPW refers to lumens per watt, which is a rating for efficiency established to determine how much light a bulb produces for each watt of energy it uses. Fluorescent lamps usually give out about 35 - 100 lpw.

I recommend: Read about LPW at ElectronicsWeekly.com.

Power factor

Power factor is a measure of the difference in phase between voltage and current on alternating current circuits. Power factors can range from 0 to 1.0 with 1.0 being normal. A high power factor indicates that an electrical system or device is effective in utilizing power. Although fluorescent lamps are designed to save money, the same amount of volt-amps are generated as incandescent bulbs when it is time to calculate power factor for billing purposes.

I recommend: For an in-depth explanation of power factor go to StreetDirectory.com. Learn how to calculate power factor through All About Circuits.