For most applications, the cool white and warm white lamps provide very acceptable color and energy efficiency ratings. Like the incandescent lamp, the fluorescent lamp can be dimmed, but not as easily. The greater the number of hours operated per start, the greater the lamp life. Because fluorescent lamp life ratings have increased, however, the number of times you turn a lamp on or off has become less important. As a general rule, if a space is to be unoccupied for more than a few minutes, you should turn the lamps off.
Fluorescents are a good retrofit for incandescent lamps that operate a significant number of hours.
Circular fluorescent lamps can be used where exposed socket incandescent bulbs are currently used. Facilities already using fluorescent lamps should consider high efficiency fluorescent lamp designs. Easy to maintain. Lamp life is greatly affected by the average number of hours the lamp is cycled on and off. The lamps are also low cost and available in a wide range of sizes and colors.