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Many versions of the standard household incandescent light bulb are being phased out of production through government regulation! The bulb that was ushered in by Thomas Edison, and helped change the lives and homes of millions, is being replaced by more energy efficient models.
The cause of the government phase out is the fact that incandescent bulbs are highly inefficient and create a tremendous amount of heat while bringing us light. If you’ve ever burned your hand on a lit bulb you’ll understand why 90% of energy is typically lost to heat. That heat is simply wasted energy. It’s an even greater waste of energy if the heat is given off in an air conditioned facility. The air conditioner has to expend extra energy to cool the heat that was unintentionally created by the bulb. Needless to say that is not energy efficient.
“The bulb that was ushered in by Thomas Edison is being replaced by more energy efficient models.”
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 is the Federal regulation that has mandated the changes that are taking place in standard light bulb availability. Specific bulbs, according to the act, can no longer be manufactured or imported into the U.S. unless they are made to comply with new efficiency standards. The intention of the regulations is purportedly to make the United States more energy efficient.
Here are the incandescent bulbs that are affected to date: 
There will be a learning curve when it comes to adapting to the alternative lighting technology options that are now available. The most common options are fluorescent, compact fluorescent and light emitting diode (LED). Each of these technologies has good and bad traits that need to be understood.
There are environmental concerns with both models of fluorescent due to the fact that they contain mercury. They are one of the leading contributors to landfill mercury toxicity today.
LED’s are highly efficient but typically have a much higher price tag even though they cost very little to operate. Luckily their price is continuing to drop as the manufacturing process improves.
You can still purchase the old standby light bulbs due to stockpiles of the product that can still be legally sold. As time goes on, however, they will become increasingly difficult or more expensive to buy, as the supplies dwindle.
That makes – NOW – a good time to learn about your lighting options!
The Energy Alliance Group (EAG) of North America is an energy solutions company providing energy saving products, technologies and services.
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