From Tim Hance

We’ve all heard about the coming ban of standard 100-watt incandescent bulbs. Contrary to rumor, you will not be forced to buy Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs).

“You will still be able to buy incandescent,” says Noah Horowitz of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “The only difference being that the new and improved ones are more efficient.”

The new incandescent bulbs operate and look just like the old-fashioned bulbs that you are used to; they have the same shape and base design. Horowitz says most people won’t notice any difference in the color or quality of light.  What is different is that they have an improved filament design, which makes them 28% more efficient than the law requires.

So replacements for your old 100-watt incandescent bulbs will be labeled “72-watt soft white.” Sylvania, Philips, and GE all make similar versions. The NRDC has a very good light bulb buying guide to help shed a little light on the subject: www.ndrc.org/energy/lightbulbs/files/lightbulbguide.pdf

Tim Hance is a Board Certified Master Home Inspector

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