by Brianna Crandall — January12, 2011—As of January 4, 2011, IKEA US stores will no longer stock or sell traditional incandescent bulbs—ahead of upcoming legislation that will phase out all incandescent light bulbs by 2012-2014. IKEA, which began phasing the bulbs out in August 2010, is the first major retailer to take this action.
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires that all general purpose light bulbs be 30 percent more energy efficient (similar to current halogen lamps) than current incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. Since reflector bulbs, appliance lamps, three-way and candelabra bulbs are exempt from the government ban, IKEA will continue to sell two styles of 25-watt chandelier bulbs.
Focusing on a comprehensive range of effective energy-saving bulbs, IKEA currently offers:
- The popular compact fluorescent bulb (CFL), many of which have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR label;
- A full range of LED lamps, which are 70 percent more efficient than incandescents;
- Halogen lamps, which consume 30 percent less energy than traditional incandescents and are reportedly a great “white light” alternative, including a halogen retrofit bulb that can be used in a standard light socket; and
- Solar-powered lamps such as the “SUNNAN” desk lamp and the “SOLVINDEN” range of outdoor lights.
- A full range of LED lamps, which are 70 percent more efficient than incandescents;
According to an IKEA lighting survey conducted in December 2010 by Harris Interactive, more than half (61 percent) of Americans are not aware of the EISA legislation. More than two-thirds (67 percent) of Americans say they care about using energy-saving lights, and more than half (56 percent) are ready to switch to them. Nearly two-thirds (59 percent) of Americans have changed the majority of light bulbs in their homes to energy-saving lights, and nearly 8 in 10 (79 percent) believe that using energy-saving lights will save them money.
