They marked a big step forward in energy saving technology and are still the most commonly used type of energy saving bulb in use today. This process then generates ultraviolet light which is invisible but which excites the molecules in a fluorescent coating - called phosphor - on the inside of the tube, which then emits visible light, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (opens in new tab).

These bulbs light up when an electric current is passed through a tube containing a gas called argon and a tiny amount of mercury vapor. Related: Electricity basics: Resistance, inductance and capacitance They can last for around 8,000 hours - 50 times longer than an incandescent bulb – making them much more efficient and cost-effective. They were the first truly energy efficient bulbs available to everyday consumers and used between 70% and 80% less energy than a traditional bulb, according to the Energy Saving Trust. In 1976 we saw compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) emerge, according to the Edison Tech Center. The production and importation of directional mains-voltage halogen bulbs was also banned in the United Kingdom in September 2021, according to the UK government (opens in new tab). Back in 2009 the European Union began to phase out inefficient light bulbs, including halogen bulbs, according to The European Consumer organisation (opens in new tab). This all makes them a little bit more efficient, but far from perfect. It then deposits it back onto the filament instead of on the inside of the bulb, meaning it can shine more brightly and extends the bulb's lifespan. Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs but contain a small amount of halogen gas which mixes with tungsten vapor. They use the same filament technology as traditional bulbs but have some important differences. One of the first was the halogen bulb developed in 1955, according to the Edison Tech Center (opens in new tab). (Image credit: Getty Images)Ĭertain types of energy saving light bulbs have actually been around for decades. A energy saving compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) light bulb surrounding by traditional incandescent light bulbs.

Bulb boy theory