U.S. ban on popular lightbulb goes into effect Aug. 1 - AL.com
U.S. ban on popular lightbulb goes into effect Aug. 1 - al.com
It’s time to say goodbye to the incandescent light bulb.
A Biden administration ban on incandescent lights bulbs starts Aug. 1. On that day, Americans will only be able to purchase LED lights from retailers due to Department of Energy requirements that manufacturers only make and sell energy-efficient light emitting diode, or LED, light bulbs. LED bulbs, while more expensive, last 25-50 times longer and use less electricity.
The switch means incandescent or halogen incandescent – which accounted for roughly 30% of light bulbs sold in the U.S. in 2020 – will soon be a thing of the past. And while retailers won’t be allowed to sell the bulbs, there are no prohibitions stopping from people using bulbs they currently own.
The DOE predicts consumers will save about $3 billion per year on utility bills once the change is complete. The rules are also projected to cut carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons - an amount equivalent to the emissions generated by 28 million homes in one year, the Biden administration said.
The initial cost of LEDs is higher, however.
The average cost of an LED light bulb ranges from $5-$7 each while incandescent light bulbs generally cost about $2 each.
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: energy efficiency
The energy price spikes of the 1970s drove consumers, businesses and government to calculate opportunities for energy efficiency — investments, practices, and regulations to avoid some of the energy costs associated with particular products or services. Those calculations ran counter to a lot of engrained practices, and the friction between business and government is a feature of energy and environment policy discussions. Now, energy efficiency decisions — whether involving building practices, appliance efficiency, or vehicle mileage and emissions standards — are a complex mix of government regulation and market behavior.