U.S. ban on popular lightbulb goes into effect Aug. 1

SAN FRANCISCO - JANUARY 31: A shelf stocked with incandescent light bulbs is seen at the City Lights Light Bulb Store January 31, 2007 in San Francisco, California. (Photo illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)Getty Images

It’s time to say goodbye to the incandescent light bulb.

A Biden administration ban on incandescent lights bulbs starts Aug. 1. On that day, Americans will only be able to purchase LED lights from retailers due to Department of Energy requirements that manufacturers only make and sell energy-efficient light emitting diode, or LED, light bulbs. LED bulbs, while more expensive, last 25-50 times longer and use less electricity.

The switch means incandescent or halogen incandescent – which accounted for roughly 30% of light bulbs sold in the U.S. in 2020 – will soon be a thing of the past. And while retailers won’t be allowed to sell the bulbs, there are no prohibitions stopping from people using bulbs they currently own.

The DOE predicts consumers will save about $3 billion per year on utility bills once the change is complete. The rules are also projected to cut carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons - an amount equivalent to the emissions generated by 28 million homes in one year, the Biden administration said.

The initial cost of LEDs is higher, however.

The average cost of an LED light bulb ranges from $5-$7 each while incandescent light bulbs generally cost about $2 each.

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