Common Household Item Will Soon Be Illegal Here in Maine

As people across the country attempt to lower energy consumption and make their homes safer and more efficient, the federal government is stepping in to nudge people to switch out one very common household item that may still exist inside your house.

Thanks to the Department of Energy, a new federal law will hit the books on the August 1, 2023, that will ban the sale of incandescent bulbs in every state across the country. Incandescent bulbs aren't energy efficient and also heat up during extended use, leading to potential fire hazards.

Maine has actually been ahead of the curve when it comes to minimizing hazardous bulbs. A bill was brought forth in the Maine legislature back in 2008, suggesting the state become the first in the nation to outlaw incandescent bulbs. Maine is also currently on the forefront in banning florescent bulbs which contain mercury. A new state law could be in effect before the end of the year.

The push towards LED bulbs is based on multiple factors. The key factor is that LED bulbs last much longer than incandescent bulbs, generally 25 to 50 times longer. That lengthy lifespan will help limit waste and save consumers money. Another reason is they're simply safer inside homes than incandescent bulbs.

It's been a good run for incandescent bulbs. They were an invention of Thomas Edison in the 1800s and have been used in homes across the country for more than a century.

If you currently use incandescent bulbs in your home, there's no need to panic. The Department of Energy is simply banning the future sales of any incandescent bulbs that do not meet the new minimum standard.

For most people in Maine, they've already seen a change at retail stores with a focus on energy-efficient bulbs as the phasing out of incandescent bulbs and phasing in of LEDs has been going on for years.