A new generation of incandescent light bulbs

For those who never really warmed up to compact fluorescent light bulbs, it seems there's some good news—at least on the horizon. Turns out Thomas Edison’s seminal invention might live to see another decade. According to a recent New York Times article, government mandates requiring strict efficiency standards for lighting products—mandates which take effect in 2012—have inspired manufacturers such as GE, Philips and Sylvania to come up with new incandescent bulbs that'll be efficient enough to make the grade.

“There have been more incandescent innovations in the last three years than in the last two decades,” Chris Caldwell, a researcher who studies lighting for Ecos Consulting, told the NYT. Philips Lighting has already introduced a new halogen bulb—the Halogena Energy Saver—that’s 30 percent more efficient than standard bulbs. While the bulbs can't touch CFLs, which are 75 percent more efficient than incandescents, it’s at least a start. The bulbs also cost a bit more—$5 at Home Depot and Amazon.com—but Philips is sure prices will fall as demand for the this improved version of the incandescent classic increases.