1000Bulbs EISA Incandescent Light Bulb Ban
As the New Year quickly approaches, the start of the last phase-out of incandescent light bulbs is also drawing nearer. Beginning January 1, 2014, manufacturers will no longer be allowed to produce the same 40-watt and 60-watt incandescent bulbs, commonly used for residential applications such as floor lamps, table lamps, and track lighting. Although these restrictions were put in place to push consumers toward more energy-efficient lighting solutions, retailers like 1000Bulbs.com will continue to sell the incandescent light bulb.
In December of 2007, President George W. Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), also known as the “Energy Bill.” Among other government mandates that aim to cut down the country’s energy consumption, the EISA of 2007 orders that a light bulb meet certain efficiency requirements in order to be produced and sold by manufacturers. Under this new law, incandescent screw-based bulbs must have a comparable lumen output, or brightness, while using less wattage, or energy. Bulbs must also be 60 to 70 percent more efficient than present incandescent light bulbs.
The light bulb laws of the EISA first began to take effect in January 2012, when 100-watt incandescent, screw-base bulbs could no longer be produced as inefficiently as they had been. The following year, in January 2013, 75-watt incandescent bulbs also began their phase-out. Starting January 1, 2014, manufacturers will no longer be allowed to produce 40-watt and 60-watt incandescent light bulbs that do not meet the new efficiency standards.
There are many myths associated with the light bulb ban. One of these myths is that incandescent bulbs are disappearing from the marketplace forever; this is untrue. Although light bulb manufacturers will cease production of incandescent light bulbs that fail to meet the new efficacy standards imposed by the EISA, customers should not be worried about finding them after the New Year. These banned bulbs will still be available for sale through retailers, such as 1000Bulbs.com, for six months to a year, or until all existing inventory has been sold. This means that customers will still be able to stock up on remaining incandescent bulbs for quite some time after production has stopped.
In addition, 1000Bulbs.com will still be working with manufacturers to continue to produce incandescent lighting. By adding extra supports around the filament, the incandescent bulb will fall under the category of “rough service.” Working in the same way as traditional incandescents, these sturdier rough service bulbs have a similarly inexpensive price tag and will be available in all wattages. Whereas brick-and-mortar businesses will stop re-ordering incandescent light bulbs after the New Year, 1000Bulbs.com will continue to provide the incandescent bulbs that consumers have become accustomed to using in their household fixtures.
For more information about the EISA Light Bulb Ban, check out our other blog posts: blog.1000bulbs.com
About 1000Bulbs.com: 1000Bulbs.com is an award-winning Internet-based lighting retailer. The company offers everything from simple, household light bulbs to cutting-edge specialty lighting systems. Nationally recognized for growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction, 1000Bulbs.com is an influential force in the lighting industry. Follow @1000Bulbs on Twitter for the latest company announcements.
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