In 2023, legislation will go into effect in the United States that will prohibit light bulbs with an energy efficiency of under 45 lumens per watt, which rules out most incandescent and halogen options commonly used today. This ban will mean it will no longer be legal to manufacture, import, or sell such bulbs. Instead, consumers will be encouraged to switch to more energy-efficient LED bulbs. Therefore, understanding the specifics of the upcoming ban and why LED lighting is better is essential.
A federal law will take effect in 2023 prohibiting the sale of bulbs with a luminous efficacy of fewer than 45 lumens per watt. This will phase out the majority of incandescent bulbs and halogen lamps currently on the market. Bulb-makers are supposed to stop producing inefficient bulbs for the U.S. residential market by January of 2023, but full enforcement of the rule will go into effect in July 2023, when sellers will have to be done selling their stocks. While some states have already begun phasing out incandescent light bulbs, this is the first time such a comprehensive nationwide ban has been implemented.
This ban seeks to reduce energy consumption. It aims to reduce carbon emissions significantly - the US Department of Energy estimates that this legislation could cut emissions by 222 million metric tons over the next 30 years, while users will benefit from reduced lighting costs. Going forward, Americans will need to embrace more energy-efficient options such as LEDs when they light up their rooms.
The most notable difference between incandescent and LED lighting is how they generate light. Incandescent bulbs produce light by passing an electric current through a filament, which produces heat that turns into visible light. In contrast, LEDs create light when an electrical current passes through a semiconductor chip, called a diode. This generates far less heat and is much more efficient than traditional filaments, leading to lower electricity consumption while producing the same amount of light output.
Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs which emit light in all directions, LEDs can concentrate their light output into a single beam, and you won't have to worry about wasting energy on illuminating unnecessary areas. They also make it easier to direct light onto certain surfaces or objects without having to install multiple fixtures with different angles. In contrast, incandescent bulbs by design illuminate in all directions, meaning that if light needs to be aimed in a certain direction, much of the bulb's work will be effectively wasted, even with an outside apparatus that redirects the light in the proper direction.
LED bulbs are an increasingly popular choice for lighting due to their higher energy efficiency compared to traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and can last up to 25 times longer. Although the up-front cost of an LED bulb is a bit more expensive than an incandescent bulb, it is a much more cost-effective option in the long run, as LEDs need to be replaced far less often and will lead to savings on electricity bills. Another perk of their longer lifespan is that with LEDs there's less chance of being caught off guard by a sudden bulb failure.
LED bulbs are safer to use than incandescent bulbs. Because incandescent bulbs generate much more heat, they are a potential fire hazard if a flammable substance is stored too close to a bulb that has been running hot. Poorly made incandescent bulbs can also fail and explode when excess wattage is provided under abnormal conditions, such as a power surge. Although no electric device is safe if stressed beyond its limits, because incandescent bulbs generate more heat while generating light, they represent a more dangerous condition.
The upcoming ban on low-efficiency light bulbs in 2023 is an excellent opportunity to switch to LED lighting. Lighting Services, Inc. will help you prepare for the ban and enjoy the benefits of modern lighting solutions. Contact us for answers to your questions. We also have experienced technicians who can provide the highest quality installation service so that your transition from incandescent bulbs to LEDs can be as smooth as possible. By switching to LEDs, you can save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy safer, longer-lasting light bulbs.