Lights with or w/o lens cover

[grissom]

I am looking at getting some T8 light fixtures installed and the electrican asked if I wanted them with or with out the lens cover. Does the lens cover affect the amount of light?

Your thoughts appreciated

 

[Stuart in MN]

The cover should help diffuse the light, and it shouldn't reduce the amount of light to speak of. However, they'll collect dust and bugs so they need cleaning every so often, and the covers on cheaper lights can turn yellow over time. Either with or without is fine, it just depends on what you think looks better.