It’s been a long time since fluorescent lighting was the energy efficient new kid on the block—in fact, the first commercial fluorescent lighting solutions were sold in the late 1930s, making commercially available fluorescent technology around 80 years old! It would be wrong to think that fluorescent technology is out-dated and no longer a strong choice for your energy-efficient lighting needs. It’s actually the age of the technology that makes it a great choice for many lighting situations, as it’s reliable, affordable, and easy to install!

What is Fluorescent Lighting?

Fluorescent lighting is a type of lighting technology scientists first began to experiment with way back in the 1890s. It uses a glass tube filled with low-pressure mercury vapor that produces invisible UV light when electricity is passed through the gas. The UV light created by the ionized mercury vapor illuminates the phosphor coating on the inside of the tube to produce fluorescent light that’s visible to the human eye.

Choosing a Lighting Solution: Are Fluorescent Light Fixtures a Good Energy-Efficient Option?

If you’re considering upgrading a property’s lighting to an energy efficient alternative or you need lighting fixtures for a new project, fluorescent technology is a strong choice. Although there is a number of lighting technologies available that are suitable for retrofits and new installations, fluorescents are definitely worth considering. Even though the technology is not as new as popular LED options, fluorescent lighting fixtures offer a range of benefits that make them a smart choice for many installations. Let’s take a look at the top 5 reasons to choose fluorescent lighting:
  1. Fluorescent lighting offers fantastic energy efficiency
Florescent light fixtures not only offer significantly more energy efficiency than traditional incandescent lighting, they can reduce energy consumption by up to 75%! This reduction in energy usage will help to drastically reduce your energy bills, especially in industrial or commercial buildings where large numbers of lights are left on for long periods of time.
  1. Fluorescent lighting is more affordable than other types of energy efficient lighting solutions
One of the main benefits of fluorescent lighting is that it’s a cost-effective solution for many types of lighting projects. As previously mentioned, the technology behind fluorescent lights has been around for a long time, meaning that the lighting industry has had many years to develop cost-effective fluorescent light fixtures and fittings. The initial cost to retrofit with fluorescent lighting will be significantly lower than other types of energy efficient lighting such as LEDs.
  1. Fluorescent tubes have a long lifespan
While the cost of replacing lamps might not be at the top of your list when it comes to choosing a lighting solution, it’s definitely something to think about—and fluorescent tubes are very affordable! Another key consideration is lamp/tube lifespan. When a tube reaches the end of its useful life, there is more than just the replacement cost to think about. For example, every time you need to replace a tube, you not only need to purchase the replacement— you also need to factor in the cost to physically swap out the tube. In some situations, this isn’t a big deal, but think about the places that fluorescent tubes are generally used. Fluorescent light fixtures can be potentially difficult to access, which means that it takes time and effort to switch out failing lamps. The cost of this maintenance and buying replacements can quickly add up! Fluorescent tubes boast a long lifespan, with many rated for 30,000 hours, which lengthens the time between replacement and, in turn, reduces costs.
  1. Fluorescent lights produce very little heat
Although this might seem like a minor concern for many people, there are situations where building operators work very hard to control the temperature within a building—and you might just be surprised at the amount of heat other types of lighting technology produce. If you need to maintain a consistent temperature in a building, or you have problems keeping certain areas cool, switching to fluorescent lighting could provide significant benefits. Fluorescent lights actually produce around 90% less heat than incandescent bulbs, which means the energy they use is focused on producing light, which, in turn, reduces your air conditioning/cooling costs.
  1. Fluorescent lighting is available in a variety of color temperatures
You might be surprised to learn that you’ll actually have a large amount of choices when it comes to fluorescent lighting color. Fluorescent tubes are available in a variety of color temperatures ranging from daylight white to extra warm. This gives fluorescent lighting an extra level of flexibility, as you’ll be able to use your fluorescent light fixtures to create the right atmosphere within each room. For example, creative studios may need daylight lighting to get an accurate representation of colors being used in designs, whereas hotels might choose warm white lighting to make guests feel relaxed and at home. Whatever the situation, there is a tube that provides the right light temperature for your needs.

Switching to Energy Efficient Fluorescent Lighting

Whether you’re looking for lighting solutions for an office, hotel, supermarket, retail space, restaurant, or any other commercial or manufacturing space, fluorescent light fixtures are a smart choice for your retrofit or new installation project. Fluorescent lighting offers a reliable and cost-effective solution that will help drastically reduce energy consumption within a building. Not only are initial installation costs super affordable, the ongoing maintenance and tube replacement costs are also low, meaning you’ll reap cost-saving rewards for many years to come.

Finding the Right Fluorescent Light Fixtures and Tubes

There is a large variety of fluorescent lighting products available to suit as many types of lighting needs. Shine Retrofit is a leading online supplier of energy efficient lighting products and are proud to stock a wide range of fluorescent options. You can browse through available products using our online store. If you would like to discuss lighting options or have questions about specific products, our team of lighting experts is here to help!