LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Buying light bulbs has gotten complicated and expensive over the past couple of years.  Fall means shorter days. And that means light bulb sales are up. 

Brownsboro Hardware & Paint owner Jim Lehrer explains new regulations for light bulbs and how knowing the difference in bulbs can save you money. He says federal regulations have changed what he can sell today versus just a few years ago. 

There are three basic types of light bulbs: Incandescent, CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lights) and LED (Light Emitting Diode).  CFLs and LEDs are the most energy-efficient light bulb options. They have lower wattage than incandescent bulbs, but emit the same light output. This allows them to produce the same amount of light, but use less energy. 

CFLs can be used outdoors, but check the packaging for ratings.  But they may not hold up to power surges, so they may not be the best choices for workshops or other areas you may use high powered tools. 

LEDs - Use an electrical current passed through semiconductor material to illuminate the tiny light sources called LEDs. The heat produced is absorbed into a heat sink, keeping the bulbs cool to the touch.  Available for outdoor use; just make sure the packaging indicates the bulb is rated for outdoor use. LEDs do not contribute to heat build up which helps save on air conditioning.

Incandescent Bulbs - In 2007 Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act requiring new energy-efficient standards for basic light bulbs. From 2012 to 2014, all standard 100-, 75-, 60- and 40-watt incandescent bulbs were phased out and will no longer be produced. Standard incandescent bulbs will still be available to purchase while supplies last. A number of specialty incandescent bulbs will remain available.

Brownsboro Hardware & Paint

4858 Brownsboro Road

Louisville, KY 40207

502-897-1591

OR 

9521 US Highway 42

Prospect, KY 40059

502-292-2595

www.brownsborohardware.com

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Brownsboro Hardware & Paint is a locally owned, full-service hardware store in Louisville, Kentucky. With two locations we have been serving the East End of Louisville since 1960.  They are your local source for Weber® grills, The Big Green Egg®,  Benjamin Moore Paint® and all your hardware needs.

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