How to Shop for Fluorescent Lighting

Count up how many fluorescent light fixtures will be needed in the area where you want to install the fluorescent lighting. For example, above a work area and a storage area in a garage, or in every corner of a basement. Use this total when shopping for fluorescent lighting.

Decide on whether you will need daylight-correct (balanced) fluorescent tubes, for example, when doing color-critical work, or whether you can use conventional fluorescent tubes that are not color-corrected. Conventional tubes are less expensive than those tubes whose color temperature has been matched to 5500 degrees Kelvin (daylight-type).

Compare the price between fluorescent light fixtures using a power cord and fixtures that must be hard-wired to the electric lines. Decide on whether you have enough AC outlets in the area to use the corded fixtures that you can mount to the ceiling yourself, as opposed to having to get an electrician to hard-wire the fluorescent lighting for you.

Compare the price between the dimmer, but less expensive, T8 fluorescent tubes and the brighter, but more expensive, T12 tubes. The length of the tubes (4 feet versus 6 or 8 feet) will also influence the price.