Should You Phase Out Your Incandescent Light Bulbs?

photo by Anton Fomkin

Unless manufacturers can develop a more energy-efficient bulb, eventually you will have to phase out your incandescent lights. (According to the New York Times article by Leora Broydo Vestel, "Incandescent Bulbs Return to the Cutting Edge," July, 5, 2009, the incandescent bulb may not be dead yet. Manufacturers such as Phillips Lighting are coming out with more efficient incandescent bulbs). According to the Energy Independence and Security Act, in 2012 all light bulbs on the market must be 25 to 30 percent more efficient then the typical incandescents available today. California, always leading the pack in going green, has already begin the phase out of incandescent light bulbs; stores are not allowed to re-stock their 100-watt bulbs. Lower watt bulbs such as the 75, 60 and 40-watt incandescents will be phased out in subsequent years.

Why now phase out your own not so eco-friendly lighting products the next time you make a trip to Home Depot or your local hardware stores? Compact fluorescent (CFL) and LED bulbs offer a longer-lasting, more energy efficient alternative. Incandescent bulbs use a whopping 90 percent of their energy to produce heat rather then light, leading to millions of tons of unnecessary pollution being released into the air each year. CFL bulbs are more comparable to incandescent lighting — they are basically equal in terms of brightness, and although the upfront cost is more, they save money on electricity bills and you won't need to buy as many bulbs overall. LED lights are not as bright but they last much longer then both CFL's and incandescent bulbs.

When you do start your household phase out of incandescent light bulbs be sure to dispose of your CFL light bulbs properly (they have to be recycled). LED's, which do not contain mercury like CFL bulbs do, do not have to be recycled.