I hope you have gotten used to those corkscrew-style light bulbs because many regular incandescent bulbs are about to go away.

In every state except California, which began the process in 2008, most A-style (medium screw base) light bulbs are about to enter the phase out period. The responsibility lies with the manufacturer to cease production on a specified schedule. However, any bulbs left on retailers’ shelves after the dates below can be sold. The basic phase out timeline looks like this:

• January 2012 manufacturers will no longer be able to make 100 watt and higher bulbs
• January 2013 manufacturers will no longer be able to make 75  watt bulbs
• January 2014 manufacturers will no longer be able to make 60 and 40 watt bulbs

There are some exceptions: specialty bulbs for appliances and some low wattage (25w) decorative bulbs like candelabra flame-style bulbs. They will continue to be available.

Along the way some less efficient halogen and fluorescent bulbs will also be banned. These are big changes for the average homeowner.

In talking with the experts at Sylvania, I also found out that CFLs are not meant for enclosed light fixtures because the heat will shorten the life of the bulb. If you read the small print on the package, you’ll probably find that information but it was news to me. CFLs are also not recommended for light fixtures with built-in electronic devices such as timers. The electronic components tend to interfere with the ballasts and again, shorten the life of the CFL. So options are going to be limited in these two areas unless bulb manufacturers come up with much needed solutions.

Obviously, LED bulbs are going to have to pick up the slack. I only hope that prices come down accordingly.  No matter what, it may be time to review your light fixtures and see how this change will affect your home.