Lights Out for the Incandescent Bulb

This week marked a significant moment – a light bulb moment if you will – on our journey towards a more sustainable world. The incandescent light bulb, known for emanating a gentle warm glow but due to its energy inefficiencies, faced an effective ban in the United States.

The incandescent light bulb, with its rich history spanning over a century, is mostly affiliated with Thomas Edison, who patented it in the 1880s. The bulb works by heating a tungsten filament to the point where it radiates a beautiful, warm light. However, the beauty of its glow is overshadowed by its inefficiency, as most of the energy is lost to heat in the process known as incandescence.

From August 1st, 2023, US household bulbs must now comply with new efficiency standards and the regulations make it hard to see any future for the incandescent variety (although there are exceptions: Christmas lights, certain chandelier bulbs and grow lights). While it may be sad news for those with a fondness for the soft glow of incandescence, it is a boon to the eco-conscious alternatives that have been waiting in the wings.

For instance, LED lights. Moving to energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs will yield a significant positive environmental impact. According to the US Department of Energy, this transition is projected to save consumers nearly $3 billion on their electricity bills. Significantly the change is anticipated to cut carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons over the next 30 years (the equivalent to the annual output generated by 28 million homes or 48 million vehicles).

While LED lights are far and away a more sustainable option – and easier on the eyes than fluorescent light - they have for many years suffered from a reputation of providing cold, less 'cozy' light. Thankfully those notions are outdated. Aesthetically speaking, manufacturers have worked hard to recreate that warm glow.

Speaking to Architectural Digest, the lighting designer Nathan Orsman, who has designed for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Stephen Colbert, and Oprah Winfrey, said the future looked not only more environmentally friendly but also more creative thanks to the change in legislation. “Now that we’re moving away from the constraints we had with incandescent, I’m excited to see what will come next…the industry will get more dynamic because of this change,” he told the publication.

While moving on from the incandescent era will surely prompt some to grieve and might even evoke a hint of nostalgia, viewed through the lens of environmental progress and design potential, our future has never seemed brighter.

Choosing the right LED for your home

Watts & Lumens:

• Watts measure the amount of energy a bulb uses. The lower the wattage, the less energy is consumed.
• Lumens indicate the brightness of a bulb. In essence, the higher the lumens, the brighter the light.
• Bulb efficiency is gauged by lumens-per-watt. While incandescents yield about 15 lumens per watt, LEDs deliver 75-100 lumens, making them around six times more energy efficient.
• To switch from a 60-watt incandescent to an LED, use a 6:1 ratio: a 10-watt LED would replace your 60-watt incandescent.

Color Temperature:

• LEDs come with a color temperature rating, measured in Kelvin (K).
• Lower values, such as 2700K-3000K, give off a warm, cozy light.
• Those in the range of 3500K-4100K produce a neutral, cooler light.
• Values in the range of 5000K-6000K offer a more blueish, daylight tone.

Dimmability and Compatibility:

• Not all LEDs are dimmable, so if you're planning to use them with a dimmer switch, check the product details.
• Additionally, ensure your chosen LED is compatible with your fixtures and other devices at home, as not all LEDs fit every socket or fixture.

LED Lifespan:

• One of the major advantages of LEDs is their lifespan. On average, an LED can last up to 25,000 hours, or even more, making them far superior to traditional incandescents which might last around 1,000 hours – meaning fewer replacements and savings in the long run.

Recycling Options:

• While LEDs have a long life, they don't last forever. When they do run their course, look for recycling programs or centers that accept LEDs, as some components can be repurposed or properly disposed of, minimizing environmental impact.