Let there be Light!!!

While there is some debate as to who actually invented the incandescent light bulb, Thomas Edison obviously gets all the credit but there were some 22 known inventors that helped him get there. Regardless of who created it, I don't know of any other invention that has remained relatively unchanged for over a 100 years. I mean really, think about it...what else do you use in your everyday life that was around over 100 years ago- and in the same form??? I don't know of anything(and would love to know if you thought of something) However, our beloved light bulb's days are numbered...433 to be exact. Oh yes Americans- the A19 (that is a normal use everyday kind of light bulb) has gotten marked with a scarlet letter by our government. Don't worry I am not headed onto a political tantrum...it was inevitable, our far more energy savvy friends across the pond outlawed them already and I am pretty certain they have not slipped into some sort of Dark Ages.

So yes, the Energy Independence and Security Act is real and it is coming. Many of us have never had to think twice about things like that, however California has blazed the trail with Title 24 and being more energy conscience. I take for granted that I know about this sort of thing and everyday when I talk to customers they seem terrified by it and sort of glaze over...so I hope this will help explain it a bit and give you a heads up so you don't get afraid of being left in the dark. And don't panic -it is a several year process to phase us away from the A19.

Of this Enormous page turner, Section 321 is really the part I am talking about. Effective January 1, 2012 our glowing friend the 100Watt A19 goes on the chopping block. Many of us think about the brightness of a bulb in watts- actually that is the energy it is using! The light it puts out is actually measured in Lumens. I equate the changes to fuel efficiency- the bulbs of the future have to give more lumens with using less energy. Just like the automotive industry isn't going to stop making SUVs they are making them more efficient. So back to January  1, 2012 the maximum wattage for the A19 will be 72watts...I am pretty sure the Europeans are laughing at a meager step down approach but our government is hoping to avoid massive backlash.

Now don't panic- we are not going to be stuck with Compact Fluorescents as our only option. CFL's have many advantages with their long life, low energy consumption and relatively cool burn. However, many people don't like them- I admit I am firmly in the dislike camp. Some people are sensitive to the slight flicker of fluorescents (yes it is real not just a complaining co-worker) and if you don't read the package carefully you might end up with a very bluish one instead of a warmer light that we are used to. Also there is a small amount of mercury in these bulbs, they should be recycled when they burn out and if you really want to scare yourself- check out the EPA's instructions for cleaning one up when it breaks...

I personally am a fan of Halogen as a replacement. Halogen has long gotten the reputation of being hot- physically hot to the touch but it is bright. It looks more like incandescent just a bit whiter but it is more efficient. It has been used for ages in task lighting but now with the Energy Independence and Security Act it has come into the general lighting category. Bulbrite has gone ahead and introduced their halogen A19 that meets all the upcoming regulations. Their  72watt A19 has the light output of a traditional incandescent- plus the design of the halogen capsule within the glass A19 shape (yes it is just that little capsule putting out the light) it helps cool it so it doesn't become too hot. Plus these are fully dimmable allowing that level of complete lighting control that I love!

So these changes are coming...don't be afraid we already have two options and there are more coming... Just this week GE released the prototype for their new hybrid bulb. This wacky bulb is a combination CFL/Halogen all encased in the shape of our traditional A19. The halogen capsule comes on instantly and remains on until the CFL coils have warmed up to full brightness combing the best of these technologies...halogen gives the instant on that has been a huge disadvantage of CFL, while the CFL has the long life and low energy consumption.

All that being said I think these are all band-aids....LED is our future. It is a semi-conductor much like what is inside our computers but it emits light...so just like computers this technology is improving lighting fast! The first dozen or so generations of LED light bulbs have already hit the market but buyer beware- do not buy any LED that you can not see on. There are gobs of really bad LED's out there but they are improving so quickly. I urge you, if you want to go ahead and make the switch go to your local lighting store...not Lowes or Home Depot...lighting showrooms are working with manufacturers everyday to keep up on the technology and have a much better understanding of where it is appropriate and what is coming out- nothing worse than making a big investment to have a better model introduced a month later. Dedicated lighting showrooms know what is coming down the pipes and will help you make the best choice for now and the future.

And the future of lighting is going to be fun...OLED is where I would put my money. The O stands for organic meaning it will take on any shape.Prototypes for wallpapers and furniture pieces are already making their debuts...I mean really imagine changing your wall paper depending on your mood! And oh yes- it is hitting the fashion runways too! LEDs are tiny enough to get added into woven fibers creating glowing and color changing fabrics...aghh the possibilities are so exciting!


So be scared- we will not get left in the dark! This is going to not only make us more energy efficient but also more creative!

Photos: Bulbrite, LED magazine, GE, Frog Design