Seeing the Light ... a Simple Guide to New Light Bulbs  Back in 2007, a new law entitled, "The Energy
Independence and Security Act" was signed.
It was expanded upon in 2010. As
a result, new requirements and efficiency standards were placed in line for the common light bulb. Well, I walked
down the light bulb aisle at Home Depot about a week ago and Wow! Talk about confusing! So over this
weekend, I did a little reading ... and I thought I'd share what I
found. Hopefully it will prove
beneficial to you and the links provided will serve as some guide when you're
shopping for light bulbs next time. First: The bulbs that are being phased-out are the
four most common incandescent bulbs used ... the 40-watt, 60-watt, 75-watt, and
100-watt bulbs. Sales and supplies of these
bulbs will not automatically cease upon the implementation date of the new
standards. Stores will be able to sell
their existing supply of 100-watt incandescent bulbs until they're out of
stock. Manufacturers will not be able to
produce any more of the bulbs, based on their old energy-emitting standards
beyond the law's implementation date. It's estimated
that as much as 90% of the energy emitted from the old traditional incandescent
bulb is wasted as heat, not light.
90%! The newer, more
energy-efficient CFL's (Compact
Fluorescent Lights) and LED's (Light-emitting Diode) can produce the same
amount of light while using far less energy. Second: Forget the old standard terminology. What you need to know and understand now is
"lumens". New light bulb
packaging will be required to display "LIGHTING FACTS". This should be helpful to you while trying to
make a comparison of products and buying.
Here's a handy guide that will help you replace your old wattage bulbs
with those rated on lumens:
Third: Other terminology that will now become
important refer to the bulbs appearance as "warm" or
"cool". The bulb you choose
for a specific location will most likely be based upon your personal taste for
these conditions of lighting.  Fourth: You DO stand to save energy and money through
replacement of your old bulbs with the new.
But how much? Below is a
rule-of-thumb guide, as to those savings:
It's estimated
that an ENERGY STAR CFL bulb typically
lasts up to 10 times longer than your old traditional bulbs. And ENERGY STAR qualified LED bulbs do even
better, lasting as much as 25 times
longer. Yes, these new
more energy-efficient bulbs cost more initially. That can't be argued. But if you truly realize the savings
predicted above over the life of your new bulbs ... you'll be hearing
"cha-ching"! Fifth: So you make the decision to replace your old
bulbs and invest in new, more energy-efficient ones. What other information regarding the new
bulbs will be helpful moving forward? Because CFL's
(Compact Fluorescent Lights) contain a small amount of mercury within them, at
the end of their lifespan, these bulbs should be recycled. That recycling can be accomplished in a
variety of ways, but below are your most convenient and accessible.
Just a note too
... ENERGY STAR-qualified bulbs earn a ENERGY STAR label by meeting the energy
efficiency requirements set forth in ENERGY STAR specifications. ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol
for energy efficiency helping us all save money and protect the environment
through energy-efficient products and practices. They provide a replacement program to protect
your purchase, should the bulb you buy not work. This is a feature that could be very helpful
and cost-wise, given the upfront expense of the new bulbs. Also, please note that not all
bulbs are being phased out. Be aware
that the following are not effected by the new law. The Energy Security Act focuses primarily on
"general service light bulbs."
A long list of specialty light bulbs, including plant lights, bug
lights, appliance bulbs (such as refrigerator lights), colored
"party" bulbs, rough service, 3-way incandescent, and candelabra base
bulbs are presently on the exemption list.
Some of exceptions will be reassessed in 2020. I hope the above
information "sheds some light" on the topic of the new federal
standards surrounding light bulbs for you. * Taking steps to save money is always wise. Why not see if you can save money within your present home by refinancing ... or buying a home VS renting. It costs you nothing to inquire and get the answers you need. Contact me today! I'll be happy to talk over your personal financial scenario and seek a money-saving solution for you. I can be reached through any of the following means: Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331 Email: gene@chicagobancorp.com Website: www.genemundt.com Skype: 630.219.1316 Click here: 4 a NO Cost NO Obligation Mortgage Consultation |
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