incandescent light bulbs

Everything That You Need to Know about the Latest Light Bulb Efficiency Standards

As of August 1st, 2023, a new energy efficiency standard from the US Department of Energy took effect; banning the sale and manufacture of any light bulb that does not meet these standards. These new standards essentially ban almost all forms of incandescent bulbs - the once ubiquitous type of bulb which has been seen in popular culture since it was patented by Thomas Edison at the end of the 19th century. But before you throw out all of your old incandescents, here’s an explanation of what the new regulations really ban as well as the several exceptions to these new rules.

The new DOE standards only ban the sale and manufacture of less-energy efficient light bulbs, not the use of said bulbs. So while you may not be able to find these bulbs on store shelves anymore, don’t expect that the FBI will be kicking down your door just because you still had some old incandescents collecting dust in your closet.