The fluorescent lamps so common in commercial buildings have not been very popular in homes. In fact, their use has been limited to kitchens, bathrooms, and some work areas. While older fluorescent lights had many disadvantages, the newer fluorescent lights have many advantages over incandescent lighting .
Fluorescent lamps give off very little heat.
Today, improvements in fluorescent tube lighting make it nearly indistinguishable from incandescent lights in quality, color, and its ability to create a warm-light atmosphere. Newer tube fluorescent lights work well as indirect lighting around a room perimeter or a bathroom mirror. Look for the fluorescent lamps with high color rendering indexes, and new electronic ballasts The table below describes the benefits of lamps with high color rendering indexes and new electronic ballasts. Lamp Attribute Benefits High color rendering indexes Cost a little more. Produce a warmer, more pleasant light than low color rendering indexes.