Incandescent light bulbs have illuminated our workplaces and homes for over a century since Thomas Edison’s invention in the late 1800s. However, traditional incandescent bulbs are highly inefficient because only a small percentage of the energy used is converted to light. Due to the growing need for energy conservation, the United States enforced new efficiency standards for light bulbs beginning in August 2023. The changes are often referred to as the “Incandescent Light Bulb Ban.” Get to know the recent changes in lighting efficiency standards and what they mean for your facility.

Updated Lighting Efficiency Standards

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), these rules will help customers conserve energy and save on utility costs. The first rule creates a revised definition of general service lamps, while the second establishes a minimum light bulb standard of 45 lumens per watt for lighting that meets the modified definition. Most incandescent and halogen bulbs can’t meet that standard. The regulations also ban the import of less efficient bulbs to help ensure consumers have access to more energy-efficient options.

How will the new standards be enforced? 

While the new rules were finalized in 2022, federal enforcement began in August 2023. According to the Code of Federal Regulations, violators who stand to profit, including manufacturers, distributors and retailers, could face penalties as much as $542 per violation. The DOE also provided an explanation of its path to enforcement.

What’s not changing? 

The rules do not affect any incandescent or halogen bulbs you already own and are instead focused on the sale of new bulbs. Certain bulbs are also exempt from the new efficiency standards, including:

Specialty Bulbs: These include bulbs used for specific purposes like Christmas lights, chandelier bulbs, grow lights, infrared lights and other specialized lighting applications. 

CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) Bulbs: Although CFL bulbs are not included in the initial ban, they are also subject to new efficiency standards. By the end of 2024, minimum efficiency levels for light bulbs could increase to over 120 lumens per watt under yet another administration proposal. CFLs typically fall short of this standard so they may be phased out in the future. 

Transitioning to Energy-Efficient LED Bulbs

Shifting away from less energy-efficient halogen and incandescent bulbs is helping reduce overall U.S. energy consumption. The DOE estimates that switching from incandescent bulbs to LEDs will result in nearly $3 billion in consumer savings and help reduce carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons over 30 years.

How Do LEDs Save Energy and Money?

Incandescent bulbs produce light by sending an electric current through a filament, causing it to heat up and glow. However, this process is highly inefficient — less than 10% of the energy is converted into light, while the rest is lost as heat.

LED bulbs, however, use semiconductor technology to create light. This process makes LEDs more efficient, generating minimal heat and using up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs. LEDs also last 25 to 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs, translating to fewer replacements and less maintenance work.

Understanding LED Lighting 

Improved LED technology is helping save money, reduce maintenance efforts and contribute to a greener future. Here are some important factors to consider when transitioning to LED bulbs:

Lumens, Not Watts: Unlike incandescents, often categorized by wattage, LED brightness is measured in lumens. Higher lumens indicate brighter light. Be sure to choose LED bulbs that provide the desired illumination level for your needs.

Color Temperature: LEDs come in various color temperatures, measured in Kelvins (K), that determine the light’s warmth or coolness. Temperatures below 3500K are closer to the warm glow of incandescent bulbs, while temperatures above 3500K produce a cooler, bluish-white light.

Color Rendering Index (CRI): The CRI measures how accurately colors appear under a light source. Higher CRI values mean truer colors. LED bulbs with a CRI in the 80s or above are generally recommended for most applications.

Replacing Bulbs vs. Fixtures: Replacing incandescent or halogen bulbs with LEDs is often cheaper and easier since it doesn't require new wiring or installation work. New LED fixtures offer better light dispersal, sleeker design and connectivity advantages since they can be integrated into a building’s lighting control system.

While making the transition to LED bulbs, take the time to research and select the right options for your facility’s needs. Test different bulbs to help ensure they meet your expectations before committing to a larger-scale replacement. By doing so, you’ll be on your way to a brighter, more efficient and sustainable future.

For more information about switching to LEDs, visit Grainger Lighting Services.