Part 7/11:
GE’s innovative approach with the “Bright from the Start” bulb was to utilize the quick-response nature of halogen light bulbs in conjunction with the traditional CFL. When powered on, both the incandescent component and the CFL illuminate simultaneously, providing immediate lighting while effectively warming up the fluorescent tube. After about a minute—once the CFL reaches its optimal temperature—the higher energy-consuming halogen bulb switches off, allowing the fluorescent tube to dominate.
This initial power surge mimics the familiar brightness of incandescent lighting, which was particularly appealing to consumers transitioning to energy-efficient lighting options. However, while this hybrid provides a practical solution, it’s not without its downsides.