The light bulb as we know it may go the way of the dinosaur. Congress has passed a law establishing a minimum level of efficiency for all incandescent bulbs by the year 2012. If manufacturers cannot produce an incandescent bulb that is more efficient, they will have to cease production.



In commercial settings like Southside fluorescent lighting is the norm. There are two problems with fluorescent lighting. One problem is that they contain mercury and the other problem is heat. While fluorescent bulbs do not produce as much heat as incandescent bulbs, the heat loss does reduce their efficiency.



The new technology for task lighting is LED. LED has been around since the 70's but white LED is a new technology with promising benefits. An LED bulb can last up to 50,000 hours with no heat loss. Presently the downside of using LED lighting is the cost. The technology is expensive but the cost may be offset by lower maintenance cost and energy savings.



Energy costs continue to increase and Southside is always looking at innovative ways to reduce energy costs.