Many consumers think the incandescent light bulb will no longer be available or manufactured. Not so.
Here’s the real story. In 2007, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) was passed in the U.S. As a result, over the next three years, the minimum efficiency standards for incandescent light bulbs will be raised for bulbs manufactured in or imported into the United States.
This means that only inefficient incandescent light bulbs will no longer be manufactured. Here’s the schedule for the phase out of the inefficient bulbs:
- In 2012, 100 watt inefficient incandescent light bulbs will no longer be available when existing supplies are exhausted
- In 2013, 75 watt inefficient incandescent light bulbs will no longer be available when existing supplies are exhausted
- In 2014, 60 watt inefficient incandescent light bulbs will no longer be available when existing supplies are exhausted
You can still purchase “incandescent” light bulbs, but you will want to choose the new “more efficient” incandescent bulbs now available in retail stores. These more efficient versions are called halogen incandescent light bulbs and are 25% more efficient than the old inefficient standard incandescent light bulbs. Halogen bulbs are very similar to the inefficient incandescent light bulbs in shape, but have a glass casing around the filament. They come in clear and frosted glass types.
There are also other alternatives that are even more efficient than halogen bulbs. Visit the Energy Savings page on the Oak Electric website for more information.
Oak Electric Service is one of southeast Michigan’s leading electrical contractors. We are standing by to answer all of your residential and commercial electrical questions. Give us a call at (800) 964-7070. Be sure to ask about our “Free Electrical Safety Inspection.” We invite you to visit our website at www.oakelectric.com to learn more about us.
