The incandescent bulb ban is quickly approaching. California will be the first state to ban the 100W incandescent light bulb, starting on January 1, 2011.
The rest of the country will begin the phase out starting in January of 2012. Eventually, 100W, 75W, 60W, and 40W incandescent light bulbs will all be banned from sale. There will also be minimum energy efficiency standards for existing incandescent bulbs.
The phase out is a part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which is meant to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. But Americans have been lighting their homes with incandescent bulbs since Edison patented his design in the 19th century. What will light after the incandescent bulb ban look like?
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) recently published a brochure explaining the various options for replacing incandescent bulbs (halogen bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, and solid state bulbs). They even included an illustration of a U.S. household with lighting suggestions for each room to replace old incandescent bulbs. Check out the brochure for details, it’s very helpful! Also, feel free to weigh in by commenting below:
Will you “go green” early and start switching out your incandescent bulbs?
Let me encourage everyone who purchases these new light bulbs to keep your receipts, your warranty information and your packaging.
I purchased ten 100 watt fluorescent bulbs (Cost was $8 a piece) and three of them have already died in less than a year.
You may save on your energy bill, but the extra personal time and energy you’ll spend chasing the manufacturer down for a replacement bulb or a refund is going to be ridiculous.
People often assume that the end of incandescents means you
turn to Cfls- This is ignorance, the idea behind the ban is to
promote energy efficient alternatives – Beside the Cfl option
there are options Like ESL and SSL – The logical choice is to
use quality Leds – The use of the various types of 19th century
tech to light a space is ridiculous in 2011- Its time for Leds – Thats the appropriate lighting for this era-
unless your an amish person – which would beg the question, if
your Amish why/how are you viewing this?
LEDs are the best choice. Make sure you’re buying quality lights though, or you may end up chasing manufacturers. Quality leds last longer than any other light, will save you money in the longrun and are safer for us and the environment.
What is seldom mentioned with CFLs is the fire hazard they can present. I had one fail a couple of years ago, showering sparks on an end table. Without someone sitting there to turn off the power, we could well have had a major house fire. I’ve reported to UL with documenting photos. BTW, I bought them to save energy before it was fashionable and not because it was green. Burning the house down wasn’t part of the bargain. I’m stocking up on incandescents.