The traditional 100-watt light bulb is being phased out, and consumers are confused about what to buy as a replacement for the iconic household item.
Now there's more time to prepare for the change and more chance for confusion.
The ban on the conventional 100-watt bulb was supposed to start Jan. 1, but after congressional action late last week, it won't take effect until Sept. 30 .
That's because the last-minute deal to avert a government shutdown included a provision that prevents the Department of Energy from spending money to implement or enforce the new standards for light bulbs.
The federal law passed in 2007 will prohibit the import or manufacture of the 100-watt incandescent bulb, which sells for about 60 cents. After Sept. 30, retailers can sell their inventory until it runs out.
"Most people don't know what's going on," said Pedro Villagran, manager of Light Bulbs Unlimited in West Palm Beach. "I have people coming in who are freaking out. Some people think all bulbs will no longer be available."
Many people think the only replacement for the conventional bulb is the twisty-style, more energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulb, or CFL, which sells for $3 or less. But that's not true, Villagran said.
He recommends a 75-watt halogen incandescent bulb in the $4 to $6 range that is designed to last twice as long as a standard bulb.
The phaseout is expected to continue in 2013 with the 75-watt bulb, and in 2014 the 60-watt and 40-watt traditional incandescents will be discontinued.
CFL concerns
The U.S. Department of Energy predicts that the end of the standard incandescent will save consumers close to $6 billion a year on energy costs. Manufacturers are required to produce bulbs that are 30 percent more energy-efficient.
There's some apparent hoarding by those who love the standard bulb and, in some cases, hate the "spiral."
People who manage estates in Palm Beach have bought as many as 360 100-watt bulbs at a time recently, Villagran said.
"The incandescent bulb is so familiar. They just don't want to give that up. They are afraid of the CFLs, due to mercury. It's a valid concern," Villagran said.
CFLs contain small amounts of highly toxic mercury and are supposed to be disposed of at a specific site, not just thrown into a garbage can. If a bulb breaks, special steps must be taken to clean it up, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are another pricier choice. They cost $20 to $70 a bulb and are rated for 25,000 to 50,000 hours.
Manufacturers are introducing more alternatives. GE, for example, has come out with a domed CFL that resembles a traditional bulb's shape.
"It helps consumers who are concerned about breakage," said Kyle Pitsor, vice president for government relations at the National Electrical Manufacturers Association in Rosslyn, Va.
Consumers fretting
At the Home Depot in West Palm Beach last week, shoppers paced in front of an array of light bulbs, trying to figure out which to buy.
"I'm perplexed," said Tim Moore, a West Palm Beach retiree. "Do you buy the new type of bulbs or do you stick with the old ones?"
Helene Lorentzen of Palm Beach picked up a pack of 60-watt incandescent bulbs and said she wasn't aware of the approaching changes. However, she said she already uses the "squigglies" and previously bought the domed type for her children's rooms.
Patricia Dejean of West Palm Beach reached quickly for a four-pack of CFLs.
"I'm a student," she said. "I leave the lights on all night studying. This saves me a little bit, and I don't have to replace the bulbs as often."
Her daughter Karen Dejean, 10, said she learned about CFLs in class at Westgate Elementary School.
"The CFLs last longer," Karen said. "They feel warm. The other kind are hot and sting your hands. They don't last long because the filament breaks."
Such incandescent specialty bulbs as three-way bulbs, appliance bulbs, color bulbs and candelabra bulbs will still be available and are not included in the phaseout.
That's because those bulbs account for a small percentage of sales, said Larry Lauck, vice president of communication for the American Lighting Association in Dallas.
Consumers have more to consider than what type of bulb to buy. Some bulbs produce a brighter, whiter light than others, which produce a more yellowish light.
"The good news is you will have a lot more choices," Lauck said. "The bad news is you have to really understand what you are trying to do with this light bulb. What is the application?"
'A transition period'
Although consumers are becoming more aware of the changes, Lauck said it's not surprising that there's confusion and that people are stocking up on the old standby bulbs.
After all, the standard bulb has not changed much since Thomas Edison developed it in 1879.
"A lot of people don't like change. They don't like being told what to do," Lauck said. "In the next several years, everything will be LEDs anyway. This is a transition period."
At Capitol Lighting in Lake Park, sales associate Andrew Mazor said he has reassured customers who are concerned about the coming end of the 100-watt incandescent that the 75-watt halogen is a good choice.
"They are panicking in advance. There are replacements. The halogen is the same shape. It looks just like a regular household bulb that we are used to," Mazor said.
"I tell them not to worry. If you want to buy hundreds of 100-watt bulbs, you can do so."
