fluorescent light issue

[ssaamm]

You folks have been very helpful in the past. Here comes another question.

I have a fluorescent light fixture in the guest bedroom in the basement that gets little use, but will have people in it over Christmas. My wife is on me to get it fixed. It has 2 U-shaped bulbs. When the switch is flipped, it takes about a minute to turn on. Once it's been on, it can be turned off/on quicker. The first start tho is slow. I am going to replace the bulbs and see what happens. Neither has any signs of darkening at the ends. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Merry Christmas. Sam

[CAMAN]

Does this fixture have a starter?(Usually a white cylindrical device near the bulbs) If so I would replace that, they just twist a 1/4 turn and pop out. Otherwise if it only has a ballast it is probably going bad.

[Tom7227]

i'd try the starter as Caman suggests. The bulbs could be pricey and the problem you suggest is a starter issue most likely.

[JohnMickish]

How cold is the room? If it does not have a HO ballast (is it an older fixture?) It could just be the nature of the beast. Flourescent lamps don't like cold, expecially T-12 lamps.