GreenSpace: The new lightbulbs, confusing but enlightening

By Sandy Bauers

Inquirer GreenSpace Columnist

Lighting is changing fast. Incandescents as we know them are on the way out.

It may be confusing for a while. But in the end, your wallet will thank you. And so will the planet.

Walk down today’s lighting aisle, and it’s intimidating.

Incandescents. Halogens. CFLs. LEDs. All sizes. All shapes. All colors, from warm white to a crisp bluish tint. And more to come.

So read on for a tour of the ever-burgeoning bulb-land.

“There’s a tremendous amount of development,” said Brian Fortenbery, an energy efficiency lighting expert with the Electric Power Research Institute, a national nonprofit. “It’s not a one-technology game, by any stretch.”

Driving the change is a provision in the Energy Independence and Security Act that Congress passed in 2007, during the George W. Bush administration.

It set energy efficiency standards for lightbulbs, which will begin to phase in come Jan. 1, 2012.

A wide misconception is that the law “bans” incandescents and “mandates” CFLs.

It’s more of a required tune-up, supporters say. The act requires new bulbs to put out the same light with 30 percent less energy.

But in reality, incandescents as we know them will not meet the standard.

Recently, some influential critics have surfaced. U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (R., Texas) and a dozen other Republicans introduced legislation they’re calling the BULB Act, for Better Use of Light Bulbs. It would repeal the bulb portion of the 2007 act.

“It is about personal freedom,” Barton said. “These are the kinds of regulations that make American people roll their eyes.”

The energy efficiency community is aghast. Isn’t conservation part of being a conservative?

With about four billion screw-based sockets to fill in the United States, it matters what we put in them. Lighting accounts for about 15 percent of the energy use of a typical household.

Efficiency advocates say the new standards ultimately will save consumers more than $10 billion annually – $143 per household – and avert the need for 30 new power plants.

They point out the act isn’t telling people what kinds of bulbs to put in their homes. It’s more like increasing the gas mileage of cars.

Moreover, the market is already responding. At the beginning of January, Ikea stopped selling incandescents altogether.

The energy efficiency world has taken on our fridges, our water heaters, our washers and dryers. But the incandescent lightbulb has remained “the least efficient piece of equipment in our homes,” said Noah Horowitz, a lighting expert with the Natural Resources Defense Council, a national nonprofit.

Ninety percent of the electricity that goes into it is given off as waste heat. “Tell me another product where you’re only getting 10 percent of the energy coming in converted to useful work,” he said.

For those who can’t quite kick the habit of energy-guzzling incandescents, halogens may be your first baby step toward efficiency.

Adding the gas reverses the deterioration of the tungsten lighting filament, making the bulb about 25 percent more efficient. Otherwise, these bulbs look and act like incandescent twins.

The next step in efficiency is CFLs, compact fluorescent lightbulbs. These have had a tough go since their introduction a few decades ago, when they were big and clunky, with poor light that didn’t even come on right away. And they were expensive to boot.

Now they are cheaper, brighter, and truer, the shades of light ranging from warm white to cool. New versions are dimmable.

Most still take a few minutes to reach full brightness, but General Electric has announced a halogen “hybrid” that is instantly bright. It’s due on shelves this spring.

One persistent problem, at least in terms of public acceptance, has been the mercury in CFLs, although the amounts have lessened significantly. People read the Environmental Protection Agency’s instructions for cleaning up a broken bulb – air the room for 15 minutes, don’t vacuum the pieces – and they freak.

All fluorescent bulbs, not just CFLs, have mercury. It’s what Michael Myer, a lighting engineer with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, calls “a necessary evil.”

But we can’t ignore the mercury that is produced in a coal-fired power plant, which accounts for roughly 50 percent of the nation’s power. Scientists have compared the mercury emission that incandescent bulbs would be “responsible” for to the mercury in CFLs, and declared the CFL the better choice.

Many big-box home stores offer recycling, so the mercury is handled properly.

Engineers and first-adopters are excited now about LEDs, which hold the promise of huge efficiencies.

For now, the technology is deemed to be in the toddler stage. Or the equivalent of cell phones in about 1990, when they were like bricks you held to your ear.

So they’re heavy, the light’s dim, and some are infused with the color blue.

But in recent months, bulb giants Philips Lighting North America and Osram Sylvania have released 60-watt equivalents with a warm hue and in the traditional shape of an incandescent. (The external ribs on many LEDs carry heat away from the bulb.)

Myer credits the Department of Energy’s “L Prize,” which will be awarded to the first LED that has the same light output as a 60-watt incandescent and meets other standards. So far, Philips is the only entrant.

Sylvania’s LED retrofit market manager, Ellen Sizemore, said the company was more interested in “providing the market with the best, most cost-efficient products for the masses” rather than some of the finer points of the L Prize.

So far, the price is an eye-opener – about $40 per bulb. But Peter Soares, Philips’ consumer marketing director, said the bulb would save $142 over its life for someone paying 11 cents a kilowatt-hour.

We may yet see all kinds of new technologies, experts say.

One of many newcomers is the “electron stimulated luminescence” bulb sold only online and developed by the New York company Vu1.

Certified by Underwriters Laboratories in October, it uses the technology of old TVs. A cathode generates electrons and sprays them onto the bulb’s interior phosphor coating. The equivalent of a 65-watt incandescent, it costs under $20 and uses just 19.5 watts.

Clearly, however, old habits die hard. Sales figures from the industry group the National Electrical Manufacturers Association show incandescents still clearly in the lead. CFLs, the second-runners, account for only one in four bulb sales.

Still, in 2010, 60 percent of respondents to a national “socket survey” commissioned by Sylvania said they had switched at least one bulb to a more energy-efficient version in the last year.

But respondents ranked the amount of energy the lightbulb uses only as fourth most important on a list of attributes.

So wake up, kiddos.

The bulbs aren’t the be-all.

The lingo is changing, too.

Watts are on the way out. Eventually, we’ll all have to learn lumen-speak.

Lumens are a measure of brightness.

Watts are simply the power needed to light the bulb, which worked as a proxy when we had only one kind of bulb. But now you can get an LED bulb that’s as bright as a 60-watter but consumes only 12 watts.

New labels are headed our way, probably this summer, designed by the Federal Trade Commission.

They’ll resemble food nutrition labeling, showing how bright the bulb is, its expected life, its light appearance, the energy used, and the estimated yearly energy cost.

Advocates like the NRDC’s Horowitz say the best is ahead, both in light and in savings.

“Today’s consumers have no idea what a bad deal that 25-cent 100-watt incandescent bulb was,” he said.

IKEA removes all incandescent light bulbs from stores

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–IKEA has pulled the plug. Incandescent lights are out.* As of January 4, 2011, IKEA US stores no longer stock or sell these traditional bulbs. Ahead of the upcoming legislation – The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 that will phase out all incandescent light bulbs by 2012-2014 (2) – IKEA has now made these lights a thing of the past. As a result, IKEA is now the first major retailer to stop the sale of incandescent lights.

Switch Off. Switch Over. IKEA made the announcement back in late Spring that starting August 2010, IKEA would begin to phase out selling incandescent light bulbs with a January 2011 stop date. Focusing on a comprehensive range of effective energy saving bulbs, IKEA currently offers: the popular compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) – many of which have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® label, as well as a full range of LED lamps that are 70% more efficient than incandescents. IKEA’s offering also includes Halogen lamps which consume 30% less energy than traditional incandescents and are a great ‘white light’ alternative. The halogen range also includes a halogen retrofit bulb which can be used in a standard light socket. IKEA also offers solar powered lamps including the SUNNAN desk lamp and the ‘SOLVINDEN’ range of outdoor lights.

“IKEA is committed to integrating sustainable practices into our range and business practices. As the largest home furnishings store, we are constantly looking at ways to help support our customers with every day environmentally responsible solutions that will improve their lives. Eliminating incandescents is just one simple way for IKEA customers to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases,” commented Mike Ward, US IKEA President.

What do consumers think about this phase out, upcoming government legislation and more? IKEA wanted to know. Here are the results of the IKEA lighting survey, conducted by telephone in December 2010 by Harris Interactive among 1,011 US adults. (3)

•Changing light bulbs in home to energy saving lights. Nearly two-thirds (59%) of Americans have changed majority of light bulbs in their homes to energy saving lights. Women (63%) are more likely to have changed their bulbs than men (55%).
•Awareness of US Legislation; The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which will mandate more efficient light bulbs by 2012-2014. More than half (61%) of Americans are not aware of the legislation to phase out incandescent light bulbs. And 84% of people, ages 18-24, are not aware of the legislation.
•Concern for energy saving lights. More than two-thirds (67%) of Americans care about using energy saving lights. And more than half (56%) of Americans are ready to switch to energy saving lights.
•Saving money. Nearly 8 in 10 (79%) Americans believe that using energy saving lights will save them money.
•Disposal of old bulbs. 62% of Americans are not concerned about disposal of old bulbs.
•Environmental Practice. 81% of Americans say that using energy saving lights is a good environmental practice.
•Light color and intensity concern. Only 14% of Americans are “very concerned” about light color, in regards to the change from incandescent to energy saving lights in their homes. 51% of Americans are “not at all concerned” about light color. More than half (61%) of Americans are not concerned about light intensity, in regards to the change from incandescent to energy saving lights in their homes.

73% of Americans are not concerned about being able to dim the lights with energy saving lights. In regard to the change from incandescent to energy saving lights, more than half (56%) of Americans are not concerned about the bulb not being able to fit in their regular light fixtures.
“We are pleased to have IKEA as both a retail and lighting partner with ENERGY STAR, says Alex Baker (ENERGY STAR Lighting Program Manager, EPA).Their commitment to qualify their IKEA brand CFLs and promote energy-efficient lighting helps save their customers’ energy and money, while making an important difference in the fight against climate change.”

From 2001- 2007, IKEA was the first and only retailer offering its customers an environmentally safe recycling program for CFLs. In fiscal 2006 year, IKEA recycled 126,722 CFLs. The IKEA stop sale of all incandescent light bulbs is just one of many sustainable initiatives that IKEA has taken. The IKEA Sustainability Report clearly outlines many other programs and actions that IKEA has and will take to lessen the company’s impact on the environment and be a responsible global citizen.

Clearly, Thomas Edison’s incandescent light bulb discovery was a landmark 19th century invention. But times have changed. New discoveries prevail. And everyday sustainability practices are important to IKEA customers. People are questioning old habits and creating new lifestyles with a charge to be environmentally responsible – everyday in some simple way. Whether it be great home furnishing solutions or sustainable practices, IKEA is dedicated to helping its customers improve their everyday lives.

Did You Know?

IKEA offers lighting solutions that are more efficient and have less negative impact on the environment.

•CFLs last from 6-10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs (6000 – 10,000 vs. 1,000 hours) and use 80% less energy. Due to this lower energy use, they can save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime. (EnergyStar.gov)
•If every American household replaced 1 incandescent bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL bulb, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for 1 year. (EnergyStar.gov)
•IKEA supports the recycling of all mercury containing CFL light bulbs through the take back recycle bins at all IKEA stores.
•According to 18seconds.org, if every American home replaced just one light bulb with a CFL, we would prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than two million cars. And families would save more than $600 million in annual energy costs. The average American family spends $1,900 on energy bills each year. (green.yahoo.com/18seconds)
•Lighting expenses account for almost 25% of electricity costs of customers’ homes. (EnergyStar.gov). Halogen bulbs use 30% less energy and last 2-4 times longer than conventional bulbs. (IKEA Group). IKEA LED lights use 70% less energy and burn at least 20 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb. (IKEA Group)

* While IKEA has phased out all Incandescent light bulbs, IKEA will continue to sell two styles of 25 watt chandelier bulbs. This falls under the guidelines of The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

(2) The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires that all general purpose light bulbs be 30% more energy efficient (similar to current halogen lamps) than current incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. The bulbs that are exempt from the government ban are reflector bulbs, appliance lamps, 3 way and candelabra bulbs.

(3) This survey was conducted by phone by Harris Interactive in the US on behalf of IKEA US from December 1-5, 2010 among 1,011 adults ages 18 and older. Results were weighted to reflect the US adult population. For complete survey methodology, including weight variables, please contact IKEA Corporate PR.

End of an Era…The 100 Watt Light Bulb Retires from Production

By Tracy Seipel
tseipel@mercurynews.com

Posted: 01/01/2011 06:16:27 PM PST
Updated: 01/01/2011 10:02:47 PM PST

Californians can start saying goodbye to traditional 100-watt incandescent light bulbs now that the state has become the first in the country to require a new standard for the screw-base bulbs.

Experts say the new rules, which took effect New Year’s Day, will save residents money and energy. California is already the nation’s leader in energy-efficiency standards.

As of Saturday, what used to be a 100-watt light bulb manufactured and sold in California will have to use 72 watts or less. The 72-watt replacement bulb, also called an energy-saving halogen light, will provide the same amount of light, called lumens, for lower energy cost.

Similar new standards for traditional 75-watt, 60-watt and 40-watt incandescent bulbs will go into effect in California over the next few years, with wattages reduced to 53, 43 and 29 respectively.

The new rule does not ban incandescent light bulbs; it just requires those bulbs to be 25 to 30 percent more efficient. And it only affects incandescent light bulbs manufactured in 2011 or later, not those already in use or on store shelves.

The new lights are comparably priced to the regular incandescent lights. A two-bulb package of 100-watt incandescent bulbs is about $4.32 at Lowe’s, while a four-bulb package of new 72-watt halogen bulbs is $8.66, or $4.33 for two. By contrast, a two-bulb package of energy-saving compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) is $11.28.

“The 72-watt bulb is improving
Edison’s original idea,” said Adam Gottlieb, a spokesman for the California Energy Commission.

“Consumers will still have the amount of light they need for the task at hand,” said Gottlieb. “But they’ll see lower electricity bills.”

Noah Horowitz, a senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, called the new regulation “a great thing for consumers.” He played a key role in the development and passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, upon which the new regulation is based.

“The 125-year-old incandescent light bulb is far and away the least efficient product in our homes, because 90 percent of the electricity is wasted as heat,” Horowitz said.

The new standard, passed in 2007 by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush, becomes effective nationwide on Jan. 1, 2012. But California and Nevada, which already had energy-efficiency standards in place for lighting products, were able to adopt the law earlier. Gottlieb said Nevada legislators could have voted to do so before Dec. 31, 2008, but they let the deadline expire.

California’s energy commission said the state’s move will avoid the sale of 10.5 million inefficient 100-watt bulbs this year and save consumers $35.6 million in higher electricity bills.

By reducing energy consumption, Gottlieb said, the standard also will reduce air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels in power plants.

California’s move follows similar laws that have gone into effect recently in Europe and Australia.

Consumers can already purchase the new incandescent bulbs. The Home Depot, the country’s largest lighting retailer, has spent the past few months training sales associates in the lighting departments of its California stores to help customers looking for guidance on the new law, said spokeswoman Kathryn Gallagher.

The chain, including its 40 Bay Area locations, also is placing special signs in the lighting aisles that explain the energy efficiency of different kinds of bulbs, including CFLs. The California Energy Commission says a 23- to 27-watt compact fluorescent bulb provides the same amount of light as a traditional 100-watt incandescent bulb while consuming about 75 percent less energy.

At Lowe’s Home Improvement stores, spokesman Gerard Littlejohn said the retailer is removing all 100-watt incandescent lights from its California stores.

Many consumers seem open to the new regulation.

“It’s not a problem at all,” said San Jose resident Daniel Robles, 28, who was shopping Saturday for CFL bulbs at a San Jose Lowe’s. He buys them to save money but said the light from CFLs give his wife migraines, so the new energy-saving halogen lights would be worth trying out.

“I wasn’t aware of that option,” Robles said.

Contact Tracy Seipel at 408-275-0140.