Incandescent bulbs have had their time in the limelight (pardon the pun), and it is time they left the stage. We need to move to more efficient lighting sources, and technology has finally advanced to the point where alternative lighting technologies can address the issue. Legislation like this will help by accelerating the process and providing incentive to address the demand.
The Australian government on Tuesday announced plans to phase out incandescent light bulbs and replace them with more energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs across the country.
Legislation to gradually restrict the sale of the old-style bulbs could reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tons by 2012 and cut household power bills by up to 66 percent, said Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Under the Australian plan, bulbs that do not comply with energy efficiency targets would be gradually banned from sale. Exemptions may apply for special needs such as medical lighting and oven lights.
If you consider cost-of-ownership, flourescent and solid-state lighting are already viable replacements for standard bulbs.
Generaly, I do see much longer life in the CF’s in my house, as opposed to the incandesents.
I have one 60 watt incandescent bulb which has one on the life extenders stuck to it which has been running about 12 hours a day for 4 years. These life extenders are a diode which sticks to the bottom of the bulb, and cuts the amount of electricity in half (have wave AC). The bulb is dimmer of course.
My problem with this legistation is about possible exceptions like, photographers, people who are made ill by flourescent life, automotive bulbs and such.
Here in Venezuela our government is replacing free of charge incandescents for CFs (incidentally giving our hills a nice yellow and blue sparkle at night).
Problem is, the government insists to install the bulbs themselves, instead of simply distributing them; which rises suspicions when one takes into account the proposed laws intended to expropiate houses deemed “too big” for its owners.
I count 26 CFL, 15 40w tubes and about 35 incandescents at home.
Why? CFL don’t work in dimmer circuits. They’re light is often harsh. Floodlight versions are too expensive and burn out too fast. I think the heat buildup in conical fixtures is too much.
They’re okay for hallways, kitchen, bath, garages and utility areas. They stink in most bedroom, livingroom and dining areas (unless you like to feel like you’re in some cheap cafeteria while you eat.)
So why I like to save money a mixture of the two seems more reasonable for now.
23,
I do believe there will be a long transition period.