In a major step towards energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, Oregon passed House Bill 2531 in September 2023. This bill introduces a statewide ban on certain types of fluorescent lighting, beginning with compact fluorescent bulbs in 2024 and extending to pin-base and linear fluorescent lamps on January 1, 2025.
As this law aims to eliminate the environmental hazards of fluorescent lighting, now is the time to learn about LED alternatives and make the switch. Read on to understand the changes and see how Classic Electric can help you transition seamlessly.
Why Is Oregon Banning Fluorescent Bulbs?
While fluorescent bulbs were an upgrade from traditional incandescents, they still have environmental downsides. Each fluorescent bulb contains a small amount of mercury—a hazardous material that can harm people, pets, and wildlife if improperly disposed of. Mercury contamination is hard to remove and poses long-term risks to our ecosystem. Additionally, fluorescent bulbs are outperformed by LEDs in energy efficiency, leading Oregon to take a progressive step toward sustainable lighting.
This new regulation aligns with Oregon’s green initiatives, encouraging residents and businesses to transition to LED lighting, which is mercury-free, longer-lasting, and more energy-efficient.
Key Dates to Remember
- 2024: Sales of compact fluorescent bulbs are banned statewide.
- January 1, 2025: Ban expands to include pin-base compact fluorescents and linear fluorescent lamps.
What To Do If You Currently Use Fluorescent Bulbs
No immediate action is required, but planning for a replacement strategy is essential. Transitioning to LEDs sooner than later offers benefits in energy savings, reduced maintenance, and compliance with upcoming regulations. Classic Electric can guide you through this process and ensure your lighting setup is up to date.
Transitioning to LED Lighting: What You Need to Know
LED technology offers a wide variety of choices. When it’s time to replace fluorescent tubes, you’ll find two primary LED options:
- LED Tubes with Ballast Compatibility: These work with your existing ballasts, allowing for easy installation. However, keep in mind that the ballast may eventually fail, requiring additional maintenance down the road.
- Ballast-Free LED Tubes: These bypass the ballast and require fixture rewiring, offering a long-lasting solution with minimal upkeep. Though initial installation involves some rewiring, it eliminates ballast-related maintenance and ensures your LEDs last as long as possible.
Which option should you choose? Many choose ballast-free LEDs for their long-term reliability. Classic Electric can provide expert advice on the best option for your setup and take care of any rewiring needed.
How Classic Electric Can Help with Ballast Removal
Removing a ballast and upgrading your fixture to ballast-free LEDs requires professional wiring to ensure safety. Thomas Adams, Master Electrician and Owner of Classic Electric can remove ballasts, rewire your fixture, and test everything for optimal functionality. Don’t take on electrical work alone—leave it to an expert to make sure your setup is safe and efficient.
Benefits of Switching to LED Lighting
Switching to LED lighting goes beyond compliance—it’s a smart choice with big payoffs. Here’s why:
- Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume far less energy than fluorescent bulbs, which means noticeable savings on your utility bill.
- Longer Lifespan: LEDs can last up to 25,000 hours or more, dramatically reducing the frequency of replacements.
- Eco-Friendly: Free of mercury and fully recyclable, LEDs are a cleaner, greener choice for your home or business.
- Improved Light Quality: LEDs offer better brightness, color options, and consistency for any space.
Act Now: Get Ready for Oregon’s Lighting Future with Classic Electric
Switching to LEDs now offers a proactive way to enjoy energy savings, improve light quality, and align with Oregon’s sustainability goals. With demand for LEDs set to rise, early adopters will benefit from a stress-free transition and enjoy the full range of LED options available.
If you’re ready to prepare for Oregon’s fluorescent ban, visit Classic Electric for expert advice, high-quality products, and professional installation for all your electrical needs. We are here to help you make a seamless switch to LED lighting, ensuring your setup is safe, efficient, and compliant with upcoming regulations.
Don’t wait until the last minute—reach out to Classic Electric today for all your lighting needs and expert guidance on LED solutions. Visit Classic Electric or give us a call to get started!
