A fluorescent bulb is filled with argon and mercury vapors, and the inside of the glass is coated with a phosphor. As the chart to the right indicates, a fluorescent bulb uses much less electricity to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb.Ī fluorescent bulb works by transforming ultraviolet light into visible light. Thus, the fluorescent light is four-to-six times more energy efficient than the incandescent variety. So, for every watt of input power, an incandescent bulb typically produces only 15 lumens (the measure of light output).Ī fluorescent light, by contrast, produces 50 to 100 lumens per watt, depending on the type of bulb. The remaining 90 percent is released as heat. Consequently, only 10 percent of the energy used by the bulb actually produces light. The resulting buildup of energy creates heat, which makes the filament glow (incandesce). When electricity is introduced, the threadlike diameter of the filament creates resistance to the energy flow. The glass sphere of the bulb contains a tungsten filament. John Gleason (D-Flint) introduced legislation on June 12 that would, if enacted, criminalize the sale of incandescent bulbs in the state beginning in 2012.Ĭompared to some other lighting sources, the incandescent bulb is an energy hog its light is a product of heat. The campaign to extinguish incandescent bulbs is fueled in large part by concerns over the environmental impact of electricity production primarily emissions of carbon dioxide. Americans spend $37 billion annually for lighting, which consumes 22 percent of all electricity generated domestically. The average American home features 45 light bulb sockets, and lighting accounts for 9 percent of the electricity used in the average U.S. New regulations on lighting carry enormous consequences for consumers. Moreover, lighting alternatives now under development may soon prove to be superior to both incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. While this is certainly true in some respects, it is not exclusively so. Ban-the-bulb advocates contend that Edisons creation is inefficient and that fluorescent lights are far more environmentally friendly. Similar phase-outs are pending in California, New Jersey and several other states as well as the European Union. Thomas Edisons monumental gift to modernity, the incandescent light bulb, no longer will be sold in Australia, Canada, Cuba or Venezuela within five years.
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