If you’ve been having trouble finding replacements for the incandescent bulbs you’ve always used in your table lamps and overhead fixtures, it’s because most have been essentially banned.
As of August 1, stores stopped selling most incandescent bulbs, and U.S. manufacturers stopped making them for most uses, according to rules from the federal government. Exceptions include oven lightbulbs and bug lights, which will still be available but must meet new efficiency standards.
You may continue to use the incandescent bulbs you already own, but you won’t be able to replace them with new incandescent.
The ban aims to encourage the use of LED bulbs, which are longer-lasting, far more energy-efficient, and cool to the touch.
The new rule is expected to collectively save Americans $3 billion a year on their utility bills.
If compact fluorescent lightbulbs are what you’re after, they’re still in stores—for now.