It’s Lights Out for This Everyday Household Item in Michigan

The end of an era is here, as a new law has banned the sale of this everyday household item in Michigan.

Lights Out, Michigan

We're approaching the one-year anniversary of the demise of the incandescent lightbulb.

Beginning on August 1, 2023, incandescent light bulbs are no longer sold at local retailers in Michigan.

The US Department of Energy issued the ruling regarding new energy efficiency standards for light bulbs. Bulbs that have a rating lower than 45 lumens per watt will be banned, rendering most standard household incandescent bulbs obsolete.

"This ban will mean it will no longer be legal to manufacture, import, or sell such bulbs."

The Switch to LED

Fortunately, many Michigan residents have been using energy-efficient LED bulbs for quite some time now. Although some have been resistant to change, LED bulbs consume significantly less energy than their old-school incandescent big brothers.

According to Lighting Services Inc., the reason for the ban is simple:  To reduce energy consumption. According to the US Department of Energy, it's estimated that the switch to LED bulbs could cut emissions by 222 million metric tons over the next 30 years.

More Expensive, but More Energy Efficient

Yes, LED bulbs do cost more to manufacture and consumers do pay more up front when purchasing LED bulbs. But they are said to use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. The new-fangled bulbs can also last up to 25 times longer which makes them a more cost-effective option in the long run.

The current ban only affects general-use lights, usually defined as bulbs that screw directly into light fixtures. There are some exceptions, which we've outlined here. Christmas lights, for example, do not fall under the ban.

No More Chocolate Cake

LED bulbs don't generate as much heat as incandescent bulbs because more electricity is used to create light rather than heat.

Although this will mean overall savings for Michiganians, it will render the Easy Bake Oven obsolete.