Disadvantages of Fluorescent Bulbs

DISADVANTAGES OF FLUORESCENT BULBS

There are however some disadvantages to the ubiquitous fluorescent tube:

Disadvantages Include the fact that they:

1. Require a separate ballast to operate which uses energy and can be costly to replace.
2. Fluroescent wattage is limited by the existing ballast installed in the fixture. Changing to higher or lower output bulbs can be expensive.
   
3. Fluorescents are temperature sensitive and do not start well in cold applications.
   
4. All fluroescents contain mercury which is harmful to the environment and needs to be properly recycled.
   
5. Fluorescents tend to let off a glare
6. Fluorescents can take some time to warm up and arrive at full brightness.