How to Choose the Right Fluorescent Light

Light bulbs can have a large impact on your home's energy bills, as well as on the environment in general. Choosing a fluorescent light bulb over a standard light bulb will lower your energy costs and help to protect our natural resources and the environment. But not all fluorescent light bulbs are the same. You will need to put in a little effort to choose the right one for you.

• 1

  Figure out what type of lighting you need. Use task lighting to brighten up a specific area, such as your kitchen counter top. Use soft ambient lighting for activities that do not require a lot of light, such as eating or watching television. Use accent lighting as a decorative element, just as you would a painting or architectural element in your home. Different types of fluorescent bulbs are available for different types of lighting.

• 2

  Make sure the fluorescent bulb you choose will fit inside the fixture. Measure the length and width of the space inside the fixture before choosing a fluorescent light bulb. Remember that fluorescent bulbs come in different shapes, and the top coils should not stick out of the top of the light fixture.

• 3

  Research how fluorescent light bulbs measure brightness to choose the right one for your lighting needs. Standard bulbs measure in watts, while fluorescent bulbs measure in lumens. Basically, one-quarter lumen will produce the same amount of brightness as one watt, which is why fluorescent light bulbs are much more energy efficient.

• 4

  Look for fluorescent light bulbs that have a high color rendering index. The higher the index, the better the quality of the colors illuminated by the fluorescent light bulb, which can create a more natural effect.

• 5

  Pay attention to the correlated color temperature of the fluorescent light bulbs. The correlated color temperature is measured in Kelvins. Generally, 2,650 to 3,000 Kelvins will produce a warm, yellowish-white light. A bulb with 3,200 to 4,000 Kelvins will produce a neutral light, while one with more than 4,000 Kelvins will produce a more bluish-white light that more closely resembles daylight.