Incandescent Light Bulbs Phased Out

Manufacturers had to stop making Incandescent light bulbs at the beginning of 2023.   

The Department of Energy put two new rules on the books banning the production of these light sources in 2023, at which time manufacturers will be able to sell only energy-efficient light bulbs. 

Now, more types of light bulbs will have to meet energy-efficiency requirements, and bulbs that produce under 45 lumens per watt will be banned. Over time that will result in the phaseout of most incandescent and halogen bulbs and a move toward compact fluorescent and LED bulbs. 

  Types of Light Bulbs

Not so very long ago, if you wanted a light bulb, you bought an incandescent bulb, the kind Thomas Edison created for commercial consumption. As of August 1, 2023, this will no longer be a choice.

• Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs were once the most expensive choice, but their prices have fallen significantly. You can get some off-brand LEDs with the equivalent brightness of a 60-watt incandescent for $1 or less; name-brand bulbs typically sell for more. LEDs can last about 25,000 hours, compared with about 750 hours for incandescent bulbs.
• Compact fluorescent lights (CFL), those twisty fluorescent bulbs, are also more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. They can last about 8,000 hours and cost about $2 to $3 apiece. Because they contain small amounts of mercury, CFLs will need to be recycled. Some stores, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, will recycle CFLs for free.
• Halogen lights are very bright bulbs that are typically used for lighting small areas, such as kitchen counters. They tend to last about 2,500 hours, and burn even hotter than incandescent bulbs, so wait for one to cool off before you touch it.