Fluorescent lighting is a type of electrical lamp choice that works through the use of mercury and neon gas, producing a chemical reaction; standard incandescent bulbs, on the other hand, work by reacting to heat. Fluorescent lighting used to be office-only lightning, but is now becoming more and more popular in homes because of their many advantages. If you are considering fluorescent lighting for your home, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of this type of lighting to help you decide if it's right for you.

ADVANTAGES

• Fluorescent lighting is 66 percent cheaper than regular lighting while providing the same brightness. When you consider that a quarter of any home's electrical consumption is done through light bulbs, the savings can add up considerably.
• Fluorescent lighting lasts longer. On average, a fluorescent tube has a lifespan six times longer than a regular incandescent bulb. They tend to burn less after continuous use, and can be turn on and off without being afraid of burning it.
• Fluorescent lighting does not give off heat, which makes them great for area lightning and for areas where additional heat can cause equipment to malfunction or bother the users.

DISADVANTAGES

• The initial cost of fluorescent lighting can be up to three times higher than other types of bulbs. Many people see this as meaning that fluorescent lighting is more expensive, but the truth is quite the opposite, since fluorescent lights last longer and save money in the long run.
• Some fluorescent lighting may require professional installation the first time around, as the electrical connections are more complex.
• Fluorescent lighting can flicker noticeably and produce an uneven light that may bother some users. Once the flicking becomes obvious to the eye, there is no choice but to replace the lamp.
• Fluorescent lighting is less attractive. Unless you invest in special decorative ways to hide the lamps, they are often visible and can take a lot from the visual aspect of the room. Fluorescent lighting only comes in bright white, which means they cannot be used for mood lighting.