NATIONAL REPORT—Confused about changing light bulb technology and new regulations affecting the types of bulbs stores sell? The American Lighting Association (ALA) offers information to help simplify the process of selecting efficient, economical and effective light bulbs.
Are Certain Types of Light Bulbs Being Banned?
The word “ban” is incorrect. While it is true that the 100-watt incandescent bulb will no longer be manufactured after January 2012, it is not a ban as much as it is a replacement. Products in every industry go through a similar process where something that is no longer efficient is replaced in the marketplace by a new model that is.
“The legislation is meant to improve the efficiency of lighting,” says Brian Brandes of light bulb manufacturer SATCO Products. “There is nothing in the law that stipulates that CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) are the mandatory replacement. The government is not telling consumers which type of bulb to buy.”
The new FTC Lighting Facts labels, which go into effect in January, will help educate consumers as to which lamp types are more efficient by showing the cost to operate per year based on a national average of 0.11 per kilowatt hour.
What is a Comparable Replacement for the 100-Watt Incandescent Bulb?
Consumers have several light bulb options:
• One option is the 72-watt halogen-incandescent that is available now. It produces slightly less light than a 100-watt incandescent, but 72 watts is the standard that has been set by federal legislation for replacing the 100-watt models. It is also important to select a bulb with a “warm” color temperature such as 2700K and 3000K.
• Another good choice, and least-expensive option, would be a halogen or xenon hybrid that will just meet the efficiency requirements and minimum life ratings. These bulbs will look, light and dim just like the 100-watt versions they replace.
• A halogen IR (infrared-coated) bulb will provide higher efficiency and three times longer life than a halogen-xenon bulb, but at approximately twice the price.
• A 26-watt, medium-base CFL (compact fluorescent light) also offers the same amount of light as a 100-watt incandescent, and uses one-quarter of the electricity. It will also last 10 times longer.
The next phase of the legislation will affect the 75-watt incandescent bulbs. One replacement option is a 53-watt halogen incandescent that performs and looks similar to a 75-watt incandescent, although it produces slightly less light. In CFLs, a 20-watt model will produce the same amount of light and use one-quarter of the energy.
How Do CFLs Compare to LEDs as a Replacement for Incandescent Bulbs?
CFLs have achieved a level of performance that matches incandescents in color and far exceeds incandescent in energy efficiency. Therefore, CFLs are a good choice for replacing incandescent in task lighting, table lamps or ambient lighting fixtures.
There is a caveat when it comes to recessed lighting. First, identify whether or not the recessed fixture is designed for a general service bulb or a reflector version. If it is designed for a general service bulb, then medium screw-base CFLs will work well. However, if the fixture is designed for a reflector-type of bulb, most CFLs that are in the reflector shape will provide much less light than the incandescent versions.
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) as replacement bulbs are currently only available as 40-watt equivalents. They are much more efficient than incandescents and last 20 times longer, however, their high price tag is still an issue for the time being.
“Most likely LEDs will be the overall winner in a few years to come,” Brandes comments. “Right now LEDs are as efficient as CFLs, and their efficiency is predicted to surpass CFLs within the next two years. Compared to CFLs, LEDs have a much longer life, dim well, have greater color rendition, better light control and work well in cold temperatures, but at a higher cost. As with any new technology, LED prices will drop as volume increases.
What is the Easiest Way to Know Which Bulb to Buy?
Just look at the label. Light bulb labels give the bulb’s power rating, light output and life rating. Keep in mind that light output is measured in lumens. For example, a 100-watt incandescent is rated for 1,600 to 1,700 lumens of light output depending upon the manufacturer and the rated life of the bulb. To get the same light output in one of the new CFLs or LEDs, find one with the same 1,600 rated lumens. Knowing the rated watts of the new bulbs will not tell you anything about light output—it is the lumens that matter.
“Once you’re thinking of light output as ‘lumens’ instead of ‘watts,’ the rest is easy,” says Terry McGowan, director of engineering and technology for the ALA and owner of Lighting Ideas in Cleveland, Ohio.
Following are the power ratings of the most common incandescent bulbs:
• 40-watt incandescent = 450 lumens;
• 60-watt incandescent = 800 lumens; and
• 100-watt incandescent = 1600 lumens.
“As you shop for efficient bulbs, just match the lumens from the chart above to the lumen ratings for the bulbs that you see on the shelf,” McGowan says. “Remember, the lumen ratings are always printed somewhere on the bulb carton.”
Still confused about the light bulb legislation and how to select the right light bulb for the job at hand? Go to your nearest ALA-member lighting showroom for expert advice. Visit www.americanlightingassoc.com to find a store in your neighborhood.
