On the older fluorescent fixtures a four bulb fixture required two ballasts. Two lamps for each ballast. If you have changed the tubes and it still does not work, it sounds like one of the ballasts is not working. You might want to consider replacing the ballast with an electronic one. One electronic ballast will operate four tubes. The existing end sockets can be re used but they will have to be rewired. There is a diagram on the ballast label that shows the connections. This will allow you to use T8 lamps which are lower wattage. This will save money to you in the long run.
It is not necessary to change both fluorescent bulbs at the same time in a two-bulb fixture, but it is recommended to do so if possible for uniform lighting. If one bulb burns out before the other, you can replace it individually. Just make sure to follow the guidelines for the specific type of bulb and fixture.
A fluorescent lamp would be more economical than an incandescent bulb of the same wattage because fluorescent lamps are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs. This means that even though the initial cost of a fluorescent lamp may be higher, it would save you money in the long run due to lower electricity consumption and fewer replacement costs.
No, a fluorescent light uses less energy than an incandescent bulb. Fluorescent bulbs are more energy-efficient and can produce the same amount of light using only a fraction of the energy that an incandescent bulb would require.
There are two main types of starters for fluorescent bulbs: preheat starters and rapid-start starters. Preheat starters are used with older-style fluorescent fixtures, while rapid-start starters are used with newer fixtures.
For Fathers Day 2011, think about eschewing the typical gifts and giving your dad something more practical. Change out all of the light bulbs in his home with energy efficient bulbs. Because energy efficient light bulbs use much less power than incandescent light bulbs, a house full of them will drop utility bills dramatically. When choosing energy efficient bulbs for Fathers Day 2011, you will have three options. First, you can swap out the bulbs for fluorescent lights. Fluorescent lights are inexpensive, but you will more than likely have to change out all of the lamps and lighting fixtures since the bulbs are not compatible with lamps that take incandescent bulbs. Next, you can opt for the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulb, which are fluorescent lights that are made to fit into traditional light bulb receptacles. Not only do these bulbs use much less energy than regular bulbs, but they will also last much longer, saving your father money in the long run. Finally, you can choose to buy light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which are also energy efficient. Because these are new, they are more expensive on the front end, but will last longer than CFL bulbs as well as use less energy.