Connection Across Time

Ed Hammer, a lighting research engineer for many years, invented the first compact fluorescent light bulb in 1976. Due to high costs and other restrictions, they did not enter the market until much more recently. High efficiency light bulbs come in two main types: compact fluorescent and LED (Light Emitting Diode). Compact fluorescent bulbs are designed to replace standard light bulbs in most home applications; anywhere you use regular light bulbs, you can use these new compact fluorescent bulbs. They last much longer, as much as 10 times longer than a regular bulb, and are about five times more energy efficient than a standard bulb. They also tend to be much cooler to the touch. By using less electricity, they also reduce the production of greenhouse gases and other pollutants often created by electricity generation.