With the New Year came a federal law that flipped the switch on the 75-watt incandescent light bulb; they can no longer be produced or imported in the United States.
Because of some new rules it's lights out for the 100 and 75-watt.
"The government is phasing out all of the incandescent bulbs," said Elton Nugent from M & D Supply.
As of January 1st under federal law 75-watt light bulbs can no longer be produced or imported and last year 100-watt bulbs were retired as well.
"You can sell these as long as you have them but once they're gone, they're gone," said Nugent.
The government is trying to make only energy-efficient lighting available in the form of LEDs, halogens or compact fluorescent bulbs.
"CFLs are going to use less electricity, they burn cooler and they don't give out emissions," said Nugent.
Linnie Smith tends to stick with standard bulbs to light her home because there is a significant difference in price.
Multi-packs of standard incandescent bulbs can be as cheap as a dollar but just one fluorescent bulb can run around six bucks.
"I like the incandescents for the indoors," said Smith, "and I did buy up quite a few."
However, fluorescent bulbs are supposed to last longer saving you money in the long run.
"This one runs about $9.03 per year, this bulb runs about $3.13 so this bulb will run almost $6.00 cheaper a year," said Nugent.
But the trick is to actually avoid constantly turning these bulbs on and off.
"They recommend letting them run at least 15 minutes because if you keep turning them on and off it shortens the life of the bulb," said Nugent.
Whether you favor the standard or CFL the future is dim for incandescent bulbs.
Next the US government will turn out the lights on traditional 60 and 40-watt incandescent bulbs in 2014.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs have a small amount of Mercury in them and should be properly recycled instead of thrown in the trash.
If a bulb breaks there are certain steps you need to take to properly clean up a CFL. Click on the link to find out how.
