What You Need To Know About the Incandescent Lightbulb Ban

Do you still have some incandescent bulbs in your home? If you do, then it’s time to start thinking about replacement. As of August 1, you can no longer buy these bulbs throughout the United States, and they aren’t being manufactured anymore, either. This change is not a new one, though. In fact, it’s been 16 years in the making, but now, it’s finally nearly official.

The History of the Incandescent Bulb Ban

In 2007, the U.S. government passed a rule that, in essence, banned the sale of incandescent bulbs. This rule was rolled back, but in 2022, the Biden Administration reinstated and added to it. The original rule stated that all lightbulbs needed to emit 45 lumens per watt. This rule made incandescent bulbs obsolete, as most emit only 15 lumens per watt. On August 1, 2023, this rule officially went into effect, thus ending the manufacturing of incandescent bulbs.

The Reasoning Behind the Ban

Today, lighting technology has changed so that lightbulbs are much more energy-efficient, and the cost of energy-efficient lighting is dropping significantly. The Department of Energy is making these rulings to help consumers lower their energy use while also protecting the environment. This adds up to energy savings for the consumer as well as fewer carbon emissions hurting the environment. Estimates indicate that banning incandescent bulbs could lead to a reduction of 222 million metric tons of carbon emissions over the next three decades.

What Bulbs Are Banned?

So, what bulbs, specifically, are banned? First, it’s important to note that no one is prohibited from using incandescent bulbs. If you already own some, you are free to use them. However, when they burn out, you will not be able to replace them with more incandescent bulbs. Instead, you’ll need to buy new, more efficient options.

Second, the Department of Energy has a few exceptions to the ban. While incandescent bulbs are banned in most instances, you can continue to find and buy bulbs for

• Appliance lamps

• Colored lamps

• Bug zapping lights

• G-shaped lamps

• High-intensity discharge lamps

• And some other specialty lamps

Outside of these exceptions, you will need to change to compact fluorescent or LED bulbs instead of incandescent.

What Alternative Options Are Available?

While you can continue using your incandescent bulbs, it won’t be long before they burn out, and you’ll need to buy something new. Thankfully, there are several options to choose from, and the electricians at Hutton Electric, Heating & Air can help you choose. Some alternative lighting options include:

• New-generation halogen bulbs

• LED bulbs

• Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)

Each of these is more eco-friendly and readily available when you’re ready to make the switch.

Get Expert Help for Your Electrical Questions

If you have additional electrical questions, the team at Hutton Electric, Heating & Air is ready to assist. We have a team of licensed electricians who are on call to help with electrical repair, installation, and service. 

Call Hutton today at 757-302-8770 or contact us online for expert guidance about all of your home’s electrical needs.