It's the end of the light bulb as we know it

With new, stricter efficiency standards almost upon us, it's time to start thinking differently about your lights. Here's why you should feel fine.

In 2007, the US Congress under President George W. Bush passed the Energy Independence and Security Act. Key among its provisions was a new series of regulations mandating the gradual phase-out of the manufacturing, importation, and sale of inefficient lighting. We've already said goodbye to 75- and 100-watt incandescent light bulbs, and on January 1, 2014, we'll be bidding adieu to 40- and 60-watt bulbs as well.

The move is intended to kick-start a new era of longer-lasting, more efficient lighting, and according to some, it's a move that's long overdue. After all, incandescent bulbs waste up to 90 percent of the energy they consume on heat output, which is why incandescents get so hot when they're turned on. According to EnergyStar, if every American household replaced just one standard light bulb with one of its certified, high-efficiency light sources, we'd save about $600 million in annual energy costs and prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year -- equivalent to the yearly output of roughly 800,000 cars.

Still, plenty of folks are concerned about the higher costs of higher efficiency, and some simply prefer the warm tone that you get from incandescents. Just before 100-watt incandescents were phased out last year, one in eight Americans said that they'd stockpile the bulbs when polled by lighting company Osram Sylvania, and you can find similar chatter right now with regards to the 40- and 60-watt varieties that are on their way out next year.

Regardless of whether you love the idea of a greener energy standard or hate the idea of additional mandates on the free market, the bottom line is that you're going to need to change the way you think about your lights. No longer will swapping a bulb out simply be a matter of slapping a buck or two down on the hardware store counter for a quick, readily disposable lighting fix. The bulbs of tomorrow are already here today, and they're more advanced, more efficient, and yes, more expensive. You're going to need to put some thought into which ones will serve as the best investments for your home.

In short, it's time to start thinking about light bulbs the way we think about appliances. Here's what you'll need to know.

Read more at: It's the end of the light bulb as we know it | Appliances - CNET Reviews

R.I.P.

beauparc said:

I have a mixture of new ones and the old type in my house and, despite all the hype, I find that there is a considerable difference in the light output between the incandescent and the equivalent new type.

Now that I have reached the ripe old age of 70, I find it much safer use the stairs, lit by the old type, at night.

I also have sufficient of the old type, of all wattage, to see me to the end of my days

If you really want to save energy, go back to using candles

the newer lightbulbs do last a while, i have them in every light socket in my house and they are fine, they need a few moments to brighten , i e they need to warm up before they are at maximum light but that said in three years or more ive replaced about two of them

They outlawed mercury and now they a pushing bulbs with mercury in them.
I had a few of the goofy looking twisted bulbs last only about a year of part time use.
Now what do you do with them; they contain mercury.
If your $30.00 new style light bulb quiets working in a couple three years who do you go to for a free replacement. Who in the hell keeps a purchase record of a light bulb.
How does one test a bulb to see if it will last 40 years like advertised or estimate.
Most of my bulbs are the new kind and really not much of a problem except for reading. Can't seem to find one that gives proper light for reading.
The ones I have tried don't seem to like the cold. When I use them for outside porch use they don't make it through one winter. The old style bulbs would last for years and years. They cost about 25 cents @.
If you want to save money on lighting turn off the lights when not in need. Some houses I pass are lit up like the owner has stock in Ohio Edison.

Haven't been able to find any of these new style bulbs that weren't made in China.
A $30.00 light bulb should be made someplace other than China and be U/L tested. I like new and better but I don't like being hosed.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UL_%28s...rganization%29

You are only exposed to the mercury if you smash the bulb and then eat the shards, or grind them into your flesh. Bulbs with mercury in them are quite safe unbroken.

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