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Here's a quick summary of upcoming changes that will affect your life and wallet
and it concerns light bulbs. Apparently, soon, and once new laws kick into play,
many common wattage types of incandescent light bulbs (normal light bulbs we're
all used to that go in many types of average size lamps and ceiling fan light
sockets) will no longer be available for sale in the United States. The new
laws, starting in January 2012, are supposed to be environmentally helpful to
help reduce energy usage and thereby, costs. First to go will be the 100 watt
incandescent light bulbs, but other wattages will follow in future years.
Unfortunately, most people are not overwhelmingly positive about these light
bulb changes. There are rumors that some are starting to buy incandescent light
bulbs in large quantities prior to the deadline date, so they can have their
favorite incandescent light bulbs available for replacing bulbs in their homes
for many years to come. Why such an extreme reaction to the upcoming lack of
availability of our "normal" light bulbs?
There are several problems that concern plenty of people about this anticipated
light bulb change. The main light bulb player these days as the alternative many
will have to buy are compact fluorescent lights, also known as CFL's. A main
problem with this is financial, up front, anyway. These CFL's are more expensive
to purchase than incandescent light bulbs, even though they are said to last a
lot longer than the incandescent bulbs over time. Still, it can get very
upsetting to have to pay so much for light bulbs all at once. They are
considerably more expensive than incandescent light bulbs, especially if you are
replacing several at a time for a new light fixture that takes 5 new bulbs or
for other new lighting or lamps you've just installed. Another complaint about
CFL's that some have, is that light color is different and not as natural or
pleasant as what they are used to. In addition, CFL's have different numbers for
power and energy that we'll all have to learn in order to compare with the old
wattage numbers we are familiar with. Many CFL's also have a twisted spiral
shape which some may not like, and they may be longer and protrude past a light
case. Also, it can be tricky to safely dispose of CFL's due to the mercury in
them. There are safety concerns with a broken CFL and new clean up protocols
you'll need to research, learn and use. Simple disposal of unbroken CFL's would
mean recycling them at a waste facility or finding out suitable drop off
locations.
But wait, that's not the whole story! You might feel a little better to know
that certain wattage and specialty type of incandescent light bulbs will survive
the new laws! So you'll still be able to keep buying lower wattage, and small
specialty light bulbs like for microwaves, ovens, some smaller novelty lamps,
aquariums, and such. Those will still be allowed to be made, sold, and
purchased.
Also,although there are few other alternative light bulbs that impress yet, even
CFL's have improved since they were first introduced. Also, there is another
lighting option you can explore using, LED lights. They don't have mercury, they
are up and coming bulbs, but there are not too many types available yet,
especially in equivalent power levels to 100 watts, and these light bulbs are
very expensive still. Change is never easy. It's easier to live with what we
know, especially when we are nervous about negative issues related to change.
However, there is hope. Remember that these changes are for better lighting
efficiency, and also that this change is just the first round of a new beginning
in lighting changes. New lighting improvements and technologies are ongoing and
under development. Surely some better, cheaper, efficient, brighter, and whiter,
light bulb will be shining down on us some day in the future!
Copyright 2011 Liz Hekimian-Williams Giftsprings Home Decor and Personalized Gifts
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