2007-12-28 18:13:43 · 7 answers · asked by Dennis Z 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Yes, there is a very brief surge when starting
fluorescent lamps.
No, turning them off when not in use does not
save power. - The surge is too brief to matter.
Yes, there is a cost factor in switching fluorescent
lamps often in that it does shorten their service life.
2007-12-29 07:53:51 · answer #1 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mythbusters did an episode on this. All modern types of lights - leds, compact fluorescent, and others - used less than a fraction of a seconds worth normal on power to turn on or off. Even the older fluorescent tube lights (as in office buildings) used only 23 secords worth of power to turn on.
2007-12-29 02:23:34 · answer #2 · answered by bw022 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'm not sure about it using MORE electricity but I do know that the manufacturers say that turning a F.L. and not leaving it on for a min of 15 min's before shutting it off will dramatically shorten the lifespan of the bulbs.
That would add more cost to the usage in the long run.
2007-12-29 02:17:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if you turn a flourescent on and off again in a short time, it uses more electricity than an incandescent bulb, so you shouldn't use one of those "energy saver" flourescents in a fixture that gets turned on for only a short time, like in a closet.
2007-12-29 02:17:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They did a test on this for mythbusters and found that it saves more electricity to turn it off and on than to leave it on. So the myth was busted that it took all this extra power to flick it on.
2007-12-29 02:16:43 · answer #5 · answered by CB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NOPE....
I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU CALL THEM BUT THOSE LIGHTS AND I GOT THEM IN MY ENTIRE HOUSE.... THE SPIRAL BULBS THAT USE 90% LESS ENERGY AND LAST 5-YEARS...
SUPPOSEDLY YOUR SUPPOSED TO LET THEM STAY ON FOR 15-MINUTES BEFORE TURNING THEM OFF OR YOU SHORTEN THE LIFESPAN.
I'M NOT BUYING IT. 2+ YEARS OFF/ON USE, REFRIGERATOR OPEN AND CLOSE.... NO PROBLEMS TO DATE.
REMINDS ME OF THE THEORY THAT IF YOU TURN YOUR COMPUTER OFF AND ON IT HURTS IT WHEN I TURN MY SYSTEM OFF AND ON ALL THE TIME.
NOW WATCH THE RESPONSES COME TELLING HOW THEY TURN THEIR COMPUTER OFF/ON AND HAD PROBLEMS.... THERE'S ALWAYS SOME....
2007-12-29 02:19:33 · answer #6 · answered by U4TSAF2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes,it takes some extra energy while it on, but actually it takes,that energy is dissipated in the form of sound(you can hear it) and
kinetic energy used by electron.
2007-12-29 02:56:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋