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Sep 1, 2009 11:01 pm US/Central
Good Question: When Will U.S. Ban Old Light Bulbs?
(WCCO)
A ban on the sale of incandescent light bulbs in Europe is now underway as part of an effort to conserve energy by only selling more efficient bulbs. Will the U.S. ban the old-style light bulbs, and is going "lights out" worth it?
"I believe it is worth it," said Kim Sherman, who heads Xcel Energy's lighting program. "It will not only put money in your pocket, but it also helps the environment."
According to Sherman, the average compact fluorescent bulb provides $5 of savings every year, which easily makes up for the higher upfront cost.
At Frattalone's Ace Hardware in Minneapolis, an incandescent 60-watt bulb (purchased in a package of four bulbs) costs 50 cents. The 13-watt CFL equivalent costs $2.60 (purchased in a package of five bulbs).
But some criticize the quality of the light. Via Twitter, Mark wrote that he's "disappointed by quality of the glow". Nate compared them to turkey burgers: "Good for you, but not as pleasing as the real thing."
Sherman acknowledges that some of the negatives of CFLs, combined with the attraction to the familiar incandescent, have slowed adoption of the energy efficient technology.
Much like the government-mandated energy efficiency standards for air conditioners; the U.S. government is now doing the same for light bulbs. Starting in 2012, the incandescent light will be phased out. First, no 100-watt bulbs will be allowed to be manufactured, in 2013, 60-watt bulbs are banned and in 2014, 40-watt bulbs will be banned.
However, smaller wattage bulbs will still be allowed, as will dimmable and three-way incandescents.
According to Sherman, four compact fluorescents use the same amount of energy that one incandescent uses. And those four CFLs provide about four times the light.
"When you look at it at a grand scale, how much energy you could save as a country, or as a community, it's a lot," said Sherman.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if every homeowner in the United States switched out just one bulb it would provide enough energy to light 3 million homes.
Market penetration for compact fluorescent bulbs has finally reached 25 percent, after more than 15 years of sales. Many consumers are replacing incandescents as they burn out, but Sherman says that doesn't really make financial sense.
"If I have six lights in my kitchen, I'll save about $30 a year by replacing them. So what am I waiting for?" said Sherman.
CFLs do contain a
small amount of mercury, so they do need to be recycled when they break or burn out.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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