x
Breaking News
More () »

Phasing Out Incandescent Light Bulbs

Many incandescent light bulbs are now on their way out, being replaced by those that use less energy. As of January 1, the federal government started phasing ou...

Many incandescent light bulbs are now on their way out, being replaced by those that use less energy.

As of January 1, the federal government started phasing out 100-watt incandescent light bulbs as part of a multi-year push toward energy efficiency.

At The Home Depot near Honesdale, there are more than 100 light bulb options that are 70 percent more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs.

"They are phasing out that high usage, high disposable light bulb," said Luann Harvey, a lighting expert with The Home Depot. "It's glass, a lot of glass, and you use them up in a very short amount of time, sometimes within a year. So how much glass keeps going in that landfill?"

Harvey said incandescent bulbs are 60 percent less efficient than fluorescent light bulbs and 80 percent less efficient than the newest LED bulbs.

"Even if they start with one room at a time, it will show a difference on their electric bill," added Harvey.

LED bulbs come in a variety of lighting options, give off less heat, and use less watts. They are more expensive, but many are more durable.

A 60-watt incandescent light bulb is expected to last about 1,000 hours and will likely need to be replaced at least once a year. The LED equivalent however, is expected to last 25,000 hours or 23 years.

Many customers are already considering energy-efficient bulbs.

"I`m concerned about the environment, and saving energy and I would definitely, if I could continue to have the decorative shape, I`d be good," said Nancy Malone of Hawley.

To help customers through the phase-out, the company is also holding lighting workshops at 10 a.m. on Saturdays during January.

"We teach them the difference in the light bulbs, the effect that each one has. We actually hook up a meter and show them how much the usage on each light bulb is, and that is just awesome because when we hook up the LED, it takes a long time before even a trickle shows. They can't believe it, compared to a regular incandescent," said Harvey.

The Home Depot will continue to sell 100-watt incandescent bulbs until October, or until their supply is gone.

Before You Leave, Check This Out