As an expert in energy efficiency and sustainability, I can provide you with a comprehensive answer to your question about saving electricity by turning off lights.

Firstly, it's important to understand the types of lights we are discussing. Traditional incandescent bulbs and modern fluorescent lights behave differently in terms of energy consumption and impact on lifespan when turned on and off.

Incandescent Bulbs: These are the classic light bulbs that have been used for many years. They heat a filament inside the bulb to produce light. Turning these lights on and off frequently can reduce their lifespan due to the thermal stress caused by the rapid heating and cooling of the filament. However, the energy surge when turning them on is relatively small compared to the energy saved by turning them off, especially if the light is not needed for a significant period of time.

Fluorescent Lights: These lights work by passing an electric current through a gas to produce ultraviolet light, which then interacts with a phosphor coating inside the bulb to produce visible light. The information you provided is correct in stating that fluorescent lights do take a small surge of power when turned on, but this is significantly smaller than the amount saved by turning them off. The concern about starting them shortening their life is not as significant as it used to be with older models. Modern fluorescent lights, including compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), are designed to handle frequent switching without a significant reduction in lifespan.

LED Lights: Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are the most energy-efficient and longest-lasting option currently available. They are solid-state devices that do not have a filament or gas to heat up. This means that there is no thermal stress when turning them on and off, and they can be switched frequently without affecting their lifespan. Additionally, the energy surge when turning on an LED light is negligible compared to the energy savings from turning it off when not in use.

In conclusion, the practice of turning off lights to save electricity is a sound strategy, especially with modern lighting technologies like LEDs and improved fluorescent lights. The energy saved by turning off the lights for more than a minute far outweighs any minor surge or potential reduction in lifespan. This is particularly true for commercial and industrial settings where lights are left on for extended periods. Moreover, turning off lights not only conserves energy but also reduces heat generation, which can lead to further energy savings in cooling systems.

It's always better to turn off lights when they are not needed, regardless of the type, as this contributes to energy conservation and environmental sustainability. Encouraging this behavior can lead to significant savings on electricity bills and a reduction in the overall carbon footprint.

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Fluorescent lights do take a small surge of power when turned on, but this is significantly smaller than the amount saved by turning them off. It used to be that starting them shortened their life, but again this is not significant. It's always better to turn off modern lights if leaving for more than a minute.read more >>