Say Farewell To The Incandescent Bulb

The incandescent light bulb will soon be no more. IKEA recently sent out a reminder that they will no longer be selling incandescent bulbs at all of its stores in the United States. Incandescent bulbs are being phased out starting next year, as manufacturers in the United States won't be permitted to create 100-watt bulbs, under federal law. By the start of 2014, the only incandescent bulbs that will be found on the market will be three way bulbs, plant lights, as well as appliance lamps.

Despite the fact that incandescent bulbs are disappearing off the shelves, consumers have been slow to the punch when it comes to buying the alternative: LEDs and CFLs. Consumers have complained that CFLs, aka compact fluorescent lights, put off a harsh greenish beam of light, which is unappealing when in comparison to the warm glow of the incandescent bulb.  LEDs cost more cash and consumers in the United States are less aware of them. Neither CFLs nor LEDs are available as a dimmer and thus, both options are't ideal for people searching for some kind of mood lighting. As a result, incandescent bulbs still dominate sales in the lighting world, holding a high of 82percent of sales. CFLs are at 17percent and light-emitting diodes are at 1percent.

CFLs utilize 80percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and they final up to 10 times longer. This is a significant difference when considering that lighting usually makes up about 20percent of a monthly energy bill. A household could potentially save $10-$50 per month through switching bulbs.

When it comes to costs, CFL bulbs usually cost between $3-$4 per bulb. Varying brands of LED bulbs for the home cost anywhere between $10-$25 per bulb. You get a bunch for your money’s worth with an LED bulb, as they will final 40,000 to 60,000 hours while CFLs usually final 6,000 to 10,000 hours. According to federal law, December 31, 2011 will be the final day that United States manufacturers are permitted to distribute incandescent 100-watt bulbs. January 1, 2013, is the final day that 75-watt incandescent will be permitted to be manufactured for sale. January 1, 2014 is the final day for the manufacturing of 60-watt and 40-watt incandescent bulbs.  Congressional extensions of these restrictions on incandescent are't expected.  The European Union, Canada and Australia have all started to ban the sale of incandescent bulbs even sooner that the United States.

The incandescent bulb, Thomas Edison’s invention, will soon become a collector’s item as they are found less and less in the marketplace. Edison’s bulb had a good run while it lasted, holding out in the market as virtually the same product as when it was initially introduced.