After a run of more than a century, the traditional incandescent lightbulb could slowly disappear from the American home. That’s just one of the significant changes the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) might bring about for the typical U.S. home.

The EISA requires lightbulbs to use about 20 to 30 percent less energy than most current incandescent bulbs; the phase-in period is 2012 to 2014. Compact fluorescent and LED lights already meet this requirement. Manufacturers such as Philips are introducing new halogen bulbs that also comply with the standard, while other companies are working on high-efficiency incandescent bulbs that could possibly satisfy the requirement. By 2020, lightbulbs will be required to use at least 60 percent less energy than today’s models.

Some other EISA highlights for the home:
• Dishwashers: The dishwasher standard that will go into effect in 2010 will reduce by 7 percent the energy consumption of a new dishwasher that just meets the federal minimum level. And for the first time, dishwashers, will have to meet a national water-limit requirement, with a reduction of about 7 percent from current levels.
• Washing machines: Starting in 2011, clothes washers will have to use, on average, about 6 percent less water.
• Dehumidifiers: The new 2012 dehumidifier standard will reduce the energy use for units just meeting the federal minimum by about 15 percent.
• Electronics gear: The ESIA requires manufacturers to place labels stating energy consumption on items like televisions and monitors, personal computers, and DVRs.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy projects that the changes mandated by the ESIA will lower nationwide energy use by 7 percent and carbon-dioxide emissions by 9 percent by 2030.

Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports and ConsumerReports.org, believes the EISA can result in meaningful increases in efficiency that will eventually help you lower your energy bills and shrink your carbon footprint.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Visit our Energy-Saving Guide for advice on how to reduce your energy consumption and save money.