They are fluorescent tubes. Starting voltage and current is much higher than steady state voltage and is hard on the cathode filaments. Each start hammers the cathodes with thermal shock and sputtering (literal ejection of material) that degrades them. The old rule of thumb was 3 hours of lost lamp life for each start.
It to me is not like auto stop on my vehicle which I believe will shorten everything attached to restarting the engine . You are talking 365 cycles if you will, off then 12 hours later on . Everyone has an opinion . To me if you run a UV light Buld continuously it will diminish its effectiveness , as well as its life ie every light bulb is rated in hours of use. Not only that but it would cause the sleeve to have more " film " on it . Which also effects the efficiency of the light , and life. " Just Me "
I was an HVAC Tech. That is not an accurate comparison . Keep it real
. They say not continuous . Joking of course . Other point is that it may kill beneficial bacteria , as well as shorten bulb life . I do like the point made that by the time you see a problem , you are now in a bad situation. A tough call . I would like to know what a for sure prevention method there would be
