Make Way for LED Bulbs (Move Over Incandescents!)
Feb 7, 2023
We have an important update regarding government regulations on incandescent and halogen bulb consumption. These changes will impact the services we provide and how lighting in your home is maintained.
The End of an Era for Incandescents
Starting in 2007, the government began a phased process to eliminate incandescent and halogen bulbs. After 15 years, the transition is finally imminent. Effective August 1, 2023, all bulbs sold in the U.S. must be 65% more efficient than traditional incandescents. Specifically, each bulb must produce at least 45 lumens per watt of electricity used—in other words, more light with less energy.
What Does This Mean for You?
Leading up to the cutoff in August, our ability to source incandescent bulbs will come to an end. What little supply we can find is expensive, delayed, often produced by a secondary manufacturer, and arrives damaged. We are aware of the heartburn this may cause, but there is no need for it.
Today, LEDs are designed to shine every bit as warm as their incandescent predecessors! Side-by-side, LED bulbs are indistinguishable from incandescents. To ensure consistent lighting in your home, our techs are being trained to replace not just the one out-bulb, but all incandescent bulbs in a room to LED. If you prefer a different solution, please let us know and we will accommodate your request.
Addressing Compatibility: What About Dimmers?
During this transition, dimmers may need to be upgraded. If you notice flickering after replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, it’s a sign of incompatibility (not an electrical emergency!). Older dimmers were designed for high-wattage bulbs and often struggle with LEDs. If this happens, submit an electrical request via our app, and we’ll schedule a dimmer replacement for you promptly.
Why the Switch to LEDs Makes Sense
Switching to LEDs isn’t just about compliance with new regulations—it’s about improving efficiency and reducing energy costs. Here are some of the benefits:
- Energy Savings: LEDs use significantly less power while producing the same level of brightness.
- Longevity: LED bulbs can last up to 20 years, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Eco-Friendly: Lower energy consumption means a reduced carbon footprint.
Your Options Moving Forward
Goodsmith is committed to making this transition as seamless as possible. To align with these new standards, we will exclusively stock LED and a select number of fluorescent bulbs moving forward. If you prefer to continue using incandescent or halogen bulbs, we ask that you procure them prior to our maintenance visit. We’ll happily install them for you.
We are here to discuss further if you have questions. Alternatively, here are some informational links with more detail.