Lights Out! Incandescents to make way for energy efficient bulbs

TULSA - For decades now, the incandescent lightbulb has been lighting homes across the country, but that's about to change.

Under federal law incandescent bulbs as we know them are being phased out to make room for more energy-efficient bulbs.

"The standard lightbulb as we know it today is 90% energy and 10% output they're trying to change that." explained Scott Kordis, Manager of Andrews Lighting in South Tulsa.

Kordis estimates he's got about 5,000 to 6,000 light bulbs in his store. He said changing them all to the more efficient type of bulb is out of the question.

"To replace 5,000 light bulbs with CFL's (compact fluorescent lightbulbs) all at one time would be quite a feat for us... it's got to be phased in just like anyone would do at home," said Kordis.

Kordis said some of his manufacturers are working on a more efficient incandescent bulb that's not on the market quite yet, but other options are.

Compact fluorescent light bulb and LED bulbs are the most common. But these newer more efficient bulbs come with a hefty pricetag.

Currently you can find a pack of four incandescent bulbs for under $1. CFL bulbs will cost around $3 for 2 bulbs. The most energy efficient LED bulbs will about $20 for one bulb.

For consumers that can mean sticker shock.

"I'm a little concerned... if you need to purchase enough for eight bulbs, that's quite a purchase right there." said Brittany Guest.

Guest is a stay at home mother of two, she said flipping the switch to the more expensive bulbs isn't in the books.

"They are better, more economical, all that stuff, I just want to have the choice, the option," said Guest.

But that option will soon be taken away.

January 1st, 2012, 100-watt incandescents will be phased out. Followed in 2013 by 75-watt bulbs and then finally in 2014 we'll be saying goodbye to the 60- and 40-watt bulb.

If you were planning on stocking up on incandescent bulbs before the phase out you may want to hurry. General Electric stopped manufacturing the incandescent bulbs late last year, so what some stores have in stock is all they'll get.

"By the end of this year I figure most of these (incandescent bulbs) will be gone and we'll be selling a lot more of the CFL." said Chris Butler, Electrical department Manager at Lowe's in Tulsa.

Eric Covington made the switch to CFL a year ago and has noticed a 10% to 15% cut to his energy bill.

"I used to go through a light bulb every six months and I still have the same CFL'S that I got a year ago," said Covington.

However, a common complaint of the CFL is a bluish tint. Butler said there's a simple fix to that. Consumers need to read the Kelvin number on the box.

"The lower the number, the more yellow the light will be, the higher the number, it's going to trend more toward the blue spectrum." explained Butler.

Most CFL bulbs are supposed to last anywhere from eight to 10 years, however that's based on four hours of daily use. And experts say that time can be cut short under certain circumstances.

"A standard CFL will take two or three minutes to warm up to brightest color, so if in a bathroom where you're turning on and off frequently it's actually better just to leave them on." said Butler.

The most expensive and energy efficient LED bulb can last up to 25 years. But some say it's just not worth it.

"I don't think a lot of people stay in their houses all that long to really reap the benefits." said Guest.

But if she does decide to make the switch, when it comes time to sell her home, there's just one stipulation.

"Refrigerator goes with the house, the bulbs come with me." said Guest.

CFL bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury, therefore need to be disposed of properly.

It's recommended CFL bulbs be recycled. Home Depot and Lowes will recycle used bulbs for free.

The Tulsa Metropolitan Environmental Trust has a free semiannual pollutant collection . The next pollutant collection is November 5 & 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tulsa Fairgrounds.

If you break a CFL bulb in your home there are important steps you should take to keep you and your family safe. Click here to read more.