Convert To New Lighting

By Alexander Sanders

The incandescent bulb hasn’t changed much since Thomas Edison patented it in 1879. More than one hundred years later, the familiar bulbs still push electricity through a wire filament – and still waste a whole lot of energy. In the U.S., incandescent bulbs will be phased out by 2014 under the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007. Nothing will be mandated until 2012, although in many areas, energy companies are offering incentives such as mail-in rebates to switch to CFLs. Ninety percent of the energy pumped through an incandescent light bulb is wasted as heat; that’s why traditional bulbs are so hot to the touch. However, thanks to a piece of 2007 legislation, traditional incandescent bulbs will soon become a thing of the past.

The Bush-era law, called the Energy Independence and Security Act, set energy-efficiency standards for light bulbs that will come fully into effect in 2012. The law will require light bulbs to use 25-30 percent less power than incandescents use today. It’s a mandate that will quickly slash residential and commercial energy use, lowering the nation’s carbon footprint and utility bills at the same time.

The New Year may be a confusing time when you’re buying light bulbs. New national light bulb rules take effect Jan. 1, 2012, when new standards require light bulbs to be 25 percent more efficient. The idea is that Thomas Edison’s invention is now energy inefficient, with 90 percent of the energy wasted as heat rather than light.

Now here’s where it gets a little confusing — this month Congress barred the funds to enforce the new law. A measure attached to a one-year spending bill bars the Department of Energy from enforcing the standard through September of 2012, but manufacturers who have prepared for the change are still on board.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, companies will no longer be making the old 100-watt incandescent bulb, and then the standards become stricter with each passing year. In 2013, the 75 watt bulb will be phased out, and finally in 2014, the 40 and 60 watt bulbs will follow.

Settergren’s Hardware store in Linden Hills is already preparing for the switch. Owner Mark Settergren says the 100 watt incandescent can still be purchased, but will remain on the shelves until they sell out.

The Prince William County Republican has introduced legislation to allow the manufacture and sale of incandescent light bulbs within Virginia’s borders after new federal energy standards take effect. The standards would essentially take the bulbs off the market.The bill, which is pending in a House subcommittee, is one of a handful seeking to blunt what conservative lawmakers consider federal intrusion into state prerogatives.

The phase-out of the traditional light bulb was included in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, a wide-ranging measure that also addressed issues ranging from vehicle fuel economy to solar power. The light bulb provision was scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2012, but consumer complaints prompted Congress to delay enforcement until October. A certified Spring Electrician in the area will be beneficial in ensuring all electrical installations are done correctly. A Spring TX Electrician should be trained in all aspects of home lighting and should be able to assist you at the drop of a dime.

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