Energy Efficient Light Bulbs in USA
As from January 1st, 2012, new light bulb standards came into effect in the USA.
There is some confusion over exactly what it means, so here is a simple explanation.
- You can still buy “normal” incandescent light bulbs. They are NOT banned.
- You are not forced to buy new CFL or LED lights if you don’t wish to.
- You do not have to ’stock-pile’ incandescent light bulbs.
- Incandescent light bulbs are now being phased out, and replaced by slightly more energy efficient light bulbs – still incandescent.
Why? Because incandescent bulbs are old technology and very inefficient (over 90% of the energy they use is converted to heat, not light).
The new light bulb standards try to reduce this inefficiency.
But I can’t get 100W bulbs any more!
Yes you can! They’re now 72W bulbs, and they’re just as bright as your old 100W bulbs.
Because the new regulations say that we must have more energy efficient light bulbs, the old 100W bulbs now use 72W instead of 100W, but still shine as brightly.
How will I know what I am buying?
New light bulbs are required to give more information on their packaging. As well as the lumens (brightness), the light bulbs will also display information on the bulb’s life expectancy, mercury content and appearance (e.g. warm, cool, yellow).
W (watt) | A Watt is the amount of energy (electricity) used by the bulb. A 100W bulb uses 100 Watts of electricity. |
Lumen | A lumen is the amount of light produced by a bulb – its brightness. The more lumens, the brighter the light. |
Look for the Lumens
It’s a little bit of a change, but you’ll gradually want to start looking for the lumens to help you choose the right bulb.
Here’s a helpful chart so you can see instantly:
100 Watt incandescent bulb | 1600 lumens |
60 Watt incandescent bulb | 800 lumens |
40 Watt incandescent bulb | 450 lumens |
Why Bother?
Using more energy efficient light bulbs will save you money by reducing the amount of electricity you use for lighting.
Is it only in the USA?
No. Light bulb standards are changing globally. In fact, most of the rest of the world has already banned incandescent bulbs altogether, because the alternatives (CFLs and LEDs) are so much more efficient.
I’m going to be very honest and say that I think it’s a real shame that the USA hasn’t followed the rest of the world and banned incandescent bulbs, because there are alternatives readily available.
Instead, by holding onto outdated 19th century technology, the energy savings, which could be large, will be considerably less.
It really is a pity.
The light bulb standards regulations are part of an energy Act signed by President Bush in 2007.
But other bulbs are expensive and the light is different!
Now that I’ve (hopefully) cleared up any confusion about energy efficient light bulbs and what’s available now, I’ll do a comparison between incandescent bulbs, CFLs and LEDs so you can make up your own mind about what to buy.
Next: light bulbs types – which is best for ME?
Other Lighting Articles – you might find these interesting
LED lights at home and how best to use them
Harley LED Lights – Harley Davidson go Green (Video)
LED Home Lighting – 4 things you need to know when buying LEDs
Example of LEDs (Video)
Photo Credit: Microsoft
Thanks for clearing all of that up! I have to admit that I do know some people who are stock piling light bulbs.
Sonya Lenzo
Please pass this onto them! 🙂
Thank you for the lesson that the new 72W bulbs = the old 100W bulbs. I did not know this.
Yours In Health!
G.E. Moon II
Glad to help!
I didn’t realiize that, and here I was going to stock up on the old bulbs…
I’m glad I’ve saved you doing that! Also see my comparison of the different types of light bulbs for more useful information.
it is strange the the US doesn’t ban the incandescent bulb – they’ve been banned in Canada for a few years now.
I have both incandescent and CFL bulbs in my house. I’ve found that over the past year or so when I’ve bought incandescent bulbs they don’t last but a few months before they blow out. I definitely prefer the CFL bulbs.
Sabrina Peterson, NASM CPT, CES
Hi Sabrina, I think you’ll find my next post, comparison of the different types of lights, useful.
Thanks … I was looking for 100 W recently and they were out of stock everywhere … and no one (store personnel) knew why. Appreciate the information.
Lyle
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Thanks for that Lyle, how sad that the store personnel didn’t know about it!
Thanks for cutting through the confusion on this issue.
I have heard so many different rumors about bulbs that past 6 years it would make your head spin.
the LED’s are getting better and coming down in priice slowly…
I would never get those Flourescent twisty ones.. . It is insane to have all that mercury around and to dispose of them is a hazard as well… Or is that just another rumor I heard.? LOL
Musician Profit System
LOL Shane! See my next post about the different types….
Clare, I can’t believe that it has taken a full 5 years for the US just to get around to changing the standards never mind an outright ban. The sheer amount of energy that could be saved in such a vast country would be enormous. As a matter of interest, what do you use on your Indian Ocean Island? I have been using low wattage, energy saving 8000 hour lamps for years now.
Here on my little island we’ve recently been able to get energy efficient long life bulbs – we don’t have the same level of choice as developed countries, so I was delighted to see them! In my lounge for example, I have spotlights which are very high up, needing a ladder to change the bulb, so longer-life bulbs are great, plus the fact that they don’t generate heat also makes a huge difference in this hot climate!
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Clare,
I recently an eco bulb, then reading the small letters found that the bulb if it breaks I would need to isolate the whole house for 3 days due to toxic particles spread. So, I know I read instructions before buying carefully.
Octavio
Wow Octavio – normally you’d need to clear the room for about 10 minutes, definitely not 3 days! You don’t say what type of bulb it was, but if it was a CFL, they contain about 1/100 of the mercury contained inside a thermometer, and although I’ve never broken a thermometer, I can’t imagine clearing a house for 3 days – even for 100 times the amount of mercury! I’ve never seen a message like that on any light bulb I’ve ever bought, wow!
I wasn’t even aware of these new standards. Thanks for the information and for the lumens chart. Very helpful!
Cherie Miranda
Glad it’s helpful, thanks Miranda!
Clare,
thank you for clarification about the different types of light bulbs. It help saving energy and on electric bills.
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