We knew this was coming: The end of the old incandescent light bulb.
Sort of.
The Energy Independence and Security Act goes into effect tomorrow, and that means some traditional light bulbs will disappear from our neighborhood grocery and hardware stores.
But not all of them.
In fact, the most popular varieties of incandescents — 60-watt bulbs and 40-watt bulbs — will be around a couple more years before being affected by the federal government-mandated phase-out, which lawmakers intended to: “… move the United States toward greater energy independence and security.”
What about twinkle lights?
“Specialty bulbs (like twinkle lights) might not be impacted at all,” says Brad Paulsen, head of light bulb merchandising for Home Depot stores nationwide.
According to Paulsen, what’s most important in this bold new bulb world is that consumers understand their options. And these options land squarely in three categories: high-efficiency incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
“For the first time in a long time,” Paulsen says, “customers are actually going to have to think about how to buy a light bulb.”
High-efficiency incandescent bulbs
Also called energy-efficient halogen bulbs, these are 28 percent more efficient than their predecessors, according to Paulsen. They tend to be comparably inexpensive, with store brands selling in packs for less than $5. These also look just like those familiar, less-efficent, mushroom-shaped light bulbs. Some consumers like that.
Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)These are 75 percent more efficient than traditional light bulbs and can last eight to 10 years, Paulsen says. One drawback has been a higher cost than incandescent bulbs, but CFL prices are falling fast.
CFL sales may suffer most from an aesthetics issue; some people simply don’t like the corkscrew shape.
Another common consumer complaint: CFLs can be slow to warm up. But experts argue that this is improving with the introduction of new bulb models.
One final CFL concern: The “trace amounts of mercury” used to produce them. Paulsen says the amount in each bulb is less than that in an old-fashioned thermometer. But the bulbs still require special recycling. Some retailers are prepared to handle that chore for us.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
LED bulbs can be up to 85 percent more efficient and last for decades. LEDs have the highest up-front cost — G.E.’s Energy Smart LED, for instance, costs about $35. But that expense may be negligible given that this bulb might actually outlive the home it’s purchased for.
LEDs come in a variety of shapes and sizes as they have long been considered best for directional lighting.
“When you’re thinking about a table lamp, you need to get a little more creative with how you design the (LED) product,” Paulsen says. “But LEDs have been received very, very well. It’s by far the most popular new bulb product.”
Elana Ashanti Jefferson: 303-954-1957 or ejefferson@denverpost.com
