Planning on hoarding 100-watt incandescent bulbs when they become forbidden fruit in 2012? You’re not alone. Some 13 percent of Americans plan to stash 100-watt incandescent bulbs, according to the latest “socket survey” from lighting company Osram Sylvania.
The survey found that 36 percent of the people polled were aware that beginning in 2012 the 100-watt bulb, will be phased out, an increase of 10 percent from 2009. While a large majority still uses incandescent bulbs, 60 percent plan to switch to light-emitting diode (LED), compact fluorescent (CFL) or halogen varieties when the phase out begins in 2012. The survey also revealed some concerns about the transition. Of the consumers polled, 28 percent expressed worry about the demise of the traditional bulbs.
Under the 2007 energy law, manufacturers must produce bulbs that are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. In 2012, bulbs in the 1490 lumen to 2600 lumen range, which is the equivalent of a 100-watt incandescent, cannot consume more than 72 watts. In 2013 and 2014, less-bright bulbs must also meet higher efficiency standards.
This year’s socket survey results indicate that more consumers are aware of the phase-out and the majority is optimistic about new technologies, with 59 percent of respondents reporting they are eager to use more energy-efficient lighting solutions.
“We are seeing a positive and evolving perspective from consumers as they become more educated about the phase-out and anticipate the next generation of lighting,” said John Salerno, Osram Sylvania Consumer Lighting vice president and general manager.
As consumers anticipate transitioning to newer technologies, 91 percent agree the bulb's brightness is the most important feature of their lighting purchase. Longevity ranks second and the third most important factor is energy efficiency.
The socket survey found that the majority of households already use at least one CFL, omore than one third use halogens and some consumers continue to adopt LEDs.
Other findings from the survey:
- Next to incandescent bulbs, CFLs take the lead in consumer adoption with 72 percent of American households using at least one bulb.
- Trailing behind the popular CFL, 39 percent of respondents use halogen bulbs in their home
- LED adoption grew to nearly one household in ten (9 percent), with 81 percent of Americans reporting they have heard of LED bulbs.
- The majority of consumers prioritize brightness (91 percent), bulb longevity (88 percent) and energy efficiency (85 percent) when choosing a light bulb
A number of incandescent replacement LED bulbs have entered the marketplace recently including Osram Sylvania, GE and Lighting Science Group.
the buying masses to discern what constitutues a quality "Led light"
Heres a hint, the're not at the big boxes .
As for hoarders , yep put em' next to your vcr and typewriter!
1- Fins are a big red flag , buyer beware
2- 5 year warranty is the gold standard, eh Keep your warranty & reciept.
3- They ought to have excellent Optics
4- Many CCT choices an/or variabilty on whether the light is bl or yellowish
5 - Good CQS- COLOR QUALITY SCALE #S... cri is a semi valid 1-10 metric
and won't be used after 11 its being supplanted by the CQS metric
Where do you find Quality , you have to seek it this year , but by next
year it will be easier. Start with lighting supply houses they're on the front line and can council better then a smock wearer. The products like GE's
best isn't out there,yet, same for Borealis or even Citizen or Nexxus prods.
All the 2011 products need Re-certification(UL/ Energy Star -and most will be tweaked,Unless standing still is their corp strategy.
Be patient ,try a par 20 for a stairwell & plan for alot of better quality 2011 3rd qtr stuff!! With lower Cost!