Starting January 1, 2012, 100W bulbs will be regulated, followed by 75W bulbs in 2013 and 40W and 60W bulbs in 2014.

I have been writing for some time that besides the exemptions, at least one incandescent/halogen product currently complies with the Act’s efficiency standards, which is Philips’ Halogena Energy Saver/Energy Advantage halogen screw-base lamp available in 40W, 50W and 70W versions to replace 60W, 75W and 90-100W incandescent lamps, respectively, to produce about 30% energy savings; light output may be reduced by up to about 10%. The lamps are compatible with incandescent dimmers and are rated at 100 CRI and 3,000-hour service life.

The 40W and 70W models, marketed under the Halogena Energy Saver brand, are currently sold to consumers through Home Depot. The 40W, 50W and 70W models, marketed under the Halogena Energy Advantage brand, are currently sold to professionals through distribution.

As for me, I’ll be using this lamp or anything like it that’s available, as my experience with dimmable CFLs has been terrible, and I’d rather not tear all the dimmers out of my house and throw them into the garbage. With an energy-saving halogen, I can get an equivalent technology instead of having to switch to CFLs, enjoy 30% energy savings and compliance with the 2007 Energy Act, and gain an additional 20% energy savings and higher satisfaction with my lighting through dimming. I just hope Philips starts offering these lamps to consumers in Canada, as that’s where I’ve lived since 2003.

Now it appears that OSRAM may have a similar halogen bulb, at least in Europe. Hat tip to Bill Attardi, who turned me on to the article where I found this gem.

I subsequently wrote to Sylvania, and they confirmed that they do have a new halogen line that will be available in the U.S. and Canada over the next few months. Called Halogen SuperSaver, the products will be EISA 2007-compliant.

Now all the major lamp companies have to do is get these bulbs up to 45 lumens/W, and we may be able to enjoy incandescent light through 2020!

Craig DiLouie

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