TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- You most likely have about ten times the number of these in your home than people actually living there, we're talking about light bulbs.
The advancement of light bulbs and government regulations could change what you're able to buy going forward.
As we enter a new year it's time we start looking at the brighter side of things, and soon, we may all be forced to do that when it comes to your everyday light bulb.
According to USA Today a January 1 target date is still on to end importing or making the 100-watt incandescent light bulb in the United States.
It's all part of energy saving for the entire nation within the Energy Independence and Security Act signed into law under president George W. Bush in 2007.
"A lot of the folks are not liking it, they feel that Congress is making them buy something they don't think is a good deal but it really is a good thing in the future," said Home Depot electrical associate Wayne West.
West showed a variety of bulbs now available compared to your standard everyday bulb. The lighting and price he's satisfied with.
"I got all compact fluorescent in my house," West added. "Any light you're going to keep on more than 15 minutes a day you save money using compact fluorescent."
The transition from incandescent to fluorescent lights may cool your house a little bit, but according to one lighting expert, it won't necessarily take the heat off of your checkbook.
"Price is a huge issue to our customers it is," said Kathryn Gatlin, co-owner of Nesco Electrical Distributors.
"It's a consideration for us too because you know we can't tell somebody oh you need to change every recess light in your house because they run around around 75 to 80 dollars per bulb."
Nesco co-owner Kathryn Gatlin is speaking about the higher quality LED lights which give off a stronger light. However, she knows customers who want nothing more than a standard bulb, and here's what she's telling them.
"You purchase as many 100-watt light bulbs you think you're going to need for a year or so," she said. "You can buy them by the case and just store them in a closet and use them as needed."
Although advertised as pricier, here's an example of an LED with an average life-span of over 22 years.
"When you go to LED or like compact fluorescent lasts six to seven years," West said. "Incandescent only 1,000 or 1,500 life hours. They last so much longer, and less energy to operate them and less heat."
The transition begins with 100-watt bulbs in 2012, 75-watt in 2013, then 40-watt and 60-watt version in 2014.
However, a massive spending bill passed by the U.S. House could delay eliminating those 100-watt bulbs until October of 2012.
