Is it true that lightbulbs use less energy when you leave them on than when you keep switching them on and off?

I always switch the lights off when I leave the room, which seems to annoy some of my family members. They always say that it uses less energy to just leave them on but this doesn't make much sense. Can someone please explain?Is it true that lightbulbs use less energy when you leave them on than when you keep switching them on and off?
It doesn't make sense because it isn't true. With some fluorescent bulbs there is a slight spike in energy required to start the gas glowing but it is slight and accounts for a few seconds of use.Is it true that lightbulbs use less energy when you leave them on than when you keep switching them on and off?
MythBusters tried it and it turns out that with a fluorescent light you should leave it on if you're going to be out of the room for 1/2 second, otherwise it's cheaper to turn it off.
Not exactly, fluorescent lighting does but that also depends on how often you switch them on and off.
You family members are incorrect, you are correct
turn the lights off= money saving.





leave them on=money spent.