40-and 60-Watt Light Bulbs Out, CFLs and LEDs in

Photo by Flickr user Clean Wal-Mart.

Lights are out for highly inefficient incandescent bulbs: new standards set by The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 go into effect this year, phasing out 40- and 60-watt incandescent bulbs through banning production of the bulbs in 2014. The phase out of incandescent bulbs began in 2012, when 100 watt bulbs were phased out. 75 watt bulbs were banned in 2013.

According to PECO’s Smart Lighting website, incandescent bulbs waste 90 percent of the energy needed to produce light by heat and last on average a year, while CFLs can last six to 10 years and LEDs can last 15-25 years.

PECO suggests that consumers can even save money (despite the higher cost of CFLs and LEDs initially) by switching out incandescent bulbs for new ones, even before they burn out. CFLs and LEDs provide the most savings when the light is on for at least three hours a day, so incandescent bulbs can be used in applications where bulbs are only on for a few minutes a day, such as closets.

In addition, PECO offers instant discounts on CFLs and LEDs in Philadelphia. Find retailers as well as recycling centers for bulbs by visiting PECO’s website.