When To Turn The Lights Off
That depends on the type of bulb.
Fluorescent bulb - Leave it on if you will need it again within
20 minutes.
Incandescent bulb - Turn it off when not in use for over a few
minutes.
This is based upon the fact that incandescent bulb life is not
significantly effected by turning it on/off whereas the
fluorescent bulb life is reduced each time it is turned on.
Additionally, repeated starting of fluorescent ballasts reduces
the fluorescent life span as well as uses more energy.
- Jim Hoyle