Ringing in the New Year, bid farewell to 75 watt light bulbs
As the New Year begins, it ends the life of the 75 watt incandescent light bulb which will be phased out as the nation strives to become more energy efficient.
photo Ulfbastel
Under the Energy Independence Security Act of 2007, manufacturers of light bulbs are required to make them more efficient. Last year, the government pulled the plug on the 100 watt incandescent bulb and starting January 1st, the 75 watt incandescent bulb will be phased out.
There’s a green reason behind flipping the switch on incandescent bulbs.
“90 percent of the energy the bulb uses is wasted, so what they replaced them with are much more energy-efficient bulbs which as just as bright, just as good and will actually save you money over the long run,” explains Consumer Reports’ Celia Kuperzmid-Lehrman.
Most screw-in bulbs must use at least 27 percent less energy by 2014.
Two options for consumers are Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Light-Emitting Diode bulbs, or LEDs.
LED bulbs are expensive, but prices are dropping.
The future is dim for incandescent bulbs.
Traditional 60 and 40 watt bulbs will be phased out in 2014.
When replacing a bulb, the experts at Consumer Reports say to choose a new one that’s the same size or smaller to be sure it fits the fixture.
