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The Handyguys discuss government involvement in banning traditional light bulbs.
Yup, the government has ‘outlawed’ the tried and true light bulb. Even after this podcast was recorded, some representatives in congress have attempted to delay the enforcement of the ban. Despite their efforts, it seems the ‘ban’ will be move forward.
It’s not really a ban on incandescent, it’s a requirement that by certain dates, certain types of bulbs need to meet certain energy efficiency standards. January 2010 will be 100 watt bulbs and others to follow after that.
Listen to the podcast as The Handyguys discuss the alternatives, pros and cons as well as discuss personal freedoms and its relationship to community stewardship.
Bottom line, CFLs can save you money in the long run and the newest breed of CFL bulbs have nice color, turn on to full brightness much faster and may also last longer. You can find every type, size and style of the CFL bulbs over at your local True Value hardware store.
We were one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. We have been compensated for our time commitment to the program as well as our writing about our experience. We have also been compensated for the materials needed for our DIY project. However, our opinions are entirely our own and we have not been paid to publish positive comments.
Brian, you mentioned the GE bulb that you found- Until now, I hadn’t found a CFL that I liked, either. We have been using the GE Reveal incandescent bulbs for years. They have a blue tint in the glass which gives a more natural color rendering, so we’ve been spoiled. The CFL color temps just didn’t compare – and we’ve tried every color temp available. So, I finally found this one – http://www.gelighting.com/na/business_lighting/education_resources/literature_library/sell_sheets/downloads/cfl/64408_GE_Bright_from_the_Start_Energy_Smart_CFL.pdf
It’s got the same “Reveal” name (blue tint) but it’s a CFL with a halogen filament that comes on instantly, and then goes off after the CFL comes up to full brilliance. And, the color is very pleasing. It says it is 2700 K, but with the blue coating, the color rendering is very nice.
Thanks for your shows!
Happy holidays!
your blog caught my attention with light bulbs and cfls
Brian: Products typically go through a life cycle, where they start off expensive and get less expensive as demand and production ramp. Incandescent bulbs have had more than a hundred years under their “belt” to optimize production. CFLs and LED bulbs have had just a dozen, or so, years. (Fewer for LED than CFL.) Legislation will speed up the transition beyond that which pure market forces would make possible. What is so wrong with that? (Your politics aside.)
What is wrong with that is that its a question of liberty. The government thinks it know better what is right for society. Look at Solyndra, the government shouldn’t be in the business of market making or breaking.
-Brian
i thought i would never see it when you cant buy a cheap light bulb for your lamp’s i know pay almost $5 for the new type of bulb’s
Hopefully the price of these newer light bulbs will lessen when the demand becomes higher.
I think it’s good that people are tryinng to be more eco-friendly. I hope the old lightb bulb doesn’t disappear though – I really like the shape of the traditional lightb bulb.