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Incandescent Light Bulb Production Ending On January 1

BOSTON (CBS) - When the calendar changes to 2014, manufacturers across the country will be banned from selling 40 and 60 watt incandescent light bulbs.

Instead, consumers will have to buy more energy efficient bulbs.

As part of the 2007 energy efficiency law signed by former President George W. Bush, the bulbs will be replaced by energy efficient lights, like LEDs, halogens, and compact fluorescents.

"The old fashion incandescent bulb actually wastes 90 percent of the energy it uses. Instead of going to light, it goes to waste heat," Kit Kennedy of the Natural Resources Defense Council explained.

Energy efficient lights will cost consumers more money in the short term. For example, an incandescent bulb that cost $7 has been replaced by an LED bulb that costs $20.

WBZ-TV's Michelle Roberts reports

The LED bulb carries longer term savings, with reduced energy costs and a life span of up to 20 years.

The U.S. government estimates the switch will amount to $6 billion in total energy savings for 2015.

But not everyone wants to see their old bulbs become a collectors' item.

Some complain about the lag time with energy efficient lights.

"When you hit the switch, they go on. There isn't a warm up time," one customer at the Swartz True Value in Newton said of the old bulbs.

Stores can still sell the old 40 and 60 watt incandescent lights until they run out of stock.

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