Current:Home > FinanceIncandescent light bulbs are now banned in the United States—here's what to buy instead-InfoLens
Incandescent light bulbs are now banned in the United States—here's what to buy instead
View Date:2024-12-23 11:15:50
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.
It's officially the end of the era. As of August 1, you can no longer purchase incandescent light bulbs, nor are they being manufactured in the United States. This ban also applies to Halogen bulbs and it’s possible that by 2025, Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) will also be phased out under the Biden administration’s new standards. These light bulbs are being phased out in favor of LED light bulbs, which use less energy while lasting longer. The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) estimates that the switch will save American households an average of $100 per year on energy bills, totaling about $3 billion in energy costs for American consumers across the board.
We know change can be difficult, so we're here to tell you exactly what this ban means for you and to help you find the best light bulbs for use in your house. After all, making the switch sooner will help you save more money than if you drag your feet.
When will the incandescent light bulb ban go into effect?
Incandescent light bulbs stopped being manufactured and sold in the United States on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
Are incandescent light bulbs banned in everything?
The DoE lists several exceptions to the incandescent light bulb ban. Additionally, you may continue to use the incandescent light bulbs that you already own. Exceptions listed by the DoE include:
- Appliance lamps
- Bug lamps
- Colored lamps
- G-shape lamps with a diameter of 5 inches or more
- General service fluorescent lamps
- High-intensity discharge lamps
Where to buy incandescent light bulb alternatives
LED light bulbs
Sylvania's ECO-LED light bulbs are energy-efficient, shatter-resistant, and long-lasting so you only have to swap them out about every seven years.
$11 at AmazonSmart light bulbs
Another type of light bulb to consider: smart bulbs. They offer color-changing, scheduling, geofencing, and they are compatible with smart hubs, so you can control them with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or with your phone. Philips Hue smart bulbs offer all these features and more, which is why they were crowned the best after rigorous testing.
$180 at AmazonCompact fluorescent light bulbs
CFLs are still being sold and manufactured for now, though they are less efficient than LED light bulbs, so buyers should take caution. SleekLighting offers inexpensive light bulbs that are more efficient than their incandescent counterparts, but you'll have to replace them about once a year.
$23 at AmazonThe product experts atReviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,TikTok orFlipboard for the latest deals, product reviews and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
veryGood! (744)
Related
- Tennis Channel suspends reporter after comments on Barbora Krejcikova's appearance
- The Supreme Court rejects an appeal over bans on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ children
- Berkshire can’t use bribery allegations against Haslam in Pilot truck stop chain accounting dispute
- Costa Rican president expresses full support for Guatemala’s President-elect Bernardo Arévalo
- Ex-Duke star Kyle Singler draws concern from basketball world over cryptic Instagram post
- New EU gig worker rules will sort out who should get the benefits of full-time employees
- Why it's so hard to resist holiday sales (and how to try)
- San Francisco Giants sign Korean baseball star Jung Hoo Lee to six-year, $113 million deal
- Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on Veterans Day? Here's what to know
- Body in Philadelphia warehouse IDed as inmate who escaped in 4th city breakout this year
Ranking
- New 'Yellowstone' is here: Season 5 Part 2 premiere date, time, where to watch
- Colorado authorities identify 4 people found dead following reported shooting inside home
- Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano receives contract extension, pay increase
- Why gas prices are going down around the US and where it's the cheapest
- US wholesale inflation picks up slightly in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- 'The Voice': Reba McEntire calls bottom 4 singer 'a star,' gives standing ovation
- The Supreme Court rejects an appeal over bans on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ children
- St. Louis Blues fire Stanley Cup champion coach Craig Berube
Recommendation
-
Bridgerton's Luke Newton Details His Physical Transformation for Season 3's Leading Role
-
Costa Rican president expresses full support for Guatemala’s President-elect Bernardo Arévalo
-
Kentucky woman seeking court approval for abortion learns her embryo has no cardiac activity
-
Biden to meet in person Wednesday with families of Americans taken hostage by Hamas
-
Dick Van Dyke says he 'fortunately' won't be around for Trump's second presidency
-
Andre Braugher was a pioneer in playing smart, driven, flawed Black characters
-
Why it's so hard to resist holiday sales (and how to try)
-
Barbie Leads the Critics Choice Awards 2024 Film Nominations: See the Fantastic Full List