How to Change a Lightbulb

How to Change a Lightbulb

You may be unsure how to change a light bulb for many reasons. Maybe you’re living on your own for the first time, or maybe you’ve just never had the opportunity to change a lightbulb yourself because somebody else has always done it.

If you don’t know how to change a lightbulb, don’t worry — we won’t leave you in the dark! Read on to learn about the best lightbulb to use, safe light bulb changing tips, and how to dispose of your burnt-out lightbulb. 

Choosing the Right Light Bulb

Did you know there’s more than one type of lightbulb to choose from? Some light bulb types (LED, CFL, incandescent, halogen) suit different light fixture types (ceiling, wall, recessed, outdoor). Bulbs have varying brightness, measured in lumens, and others use different amounts of energy, measured in Watts (W). 

Light bulbs also come in different light colors, which are measured on the Kelvin Light Color Scale (K). They can range from the yellowish soft and warm light colors most often used in living rooms, bedrooms, and rooms with warm wood tones, to the bluish-white colored bright white and daylight bulbs better suited to workshops, bathrooms, and rooms with white or chrome fixtures.

Choose a bulb with a shape best suited to the size and shape of the fixture you’ve chosen for your home. Incompatible fixtures and bulbs can cause flickering lights and other issues. 

The following are the four most popular types of lightbulbs:

LED (light-emitting diodes) 

LEDs are the most common choice today for lighting because they’re energy-efficient and made to fit most standard light sockets. They don’t produce heat, which can also reduce air conditioning costs. LED lights last a long time, usually over ten years or up to 100,000 hours. Some smart-home LED lighting changes colors or responds to voice commands, although this requires an app.  

CFL (fluorescent)

CFLs have a tube containing argon gas and a small amount of mercury vapor. When electricity runs through them, they generate UV light, causing the fluorescent coating on the bulb to glow. These bulbs use a lot of energy when first turned on, but once running, they use around 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs. They can take around three minutes to turn on. The average lifespan of a CFL light is approximately 10,000 to 15,000 hours. 

Incandescent

Incandescent light bulbs used to be the industry standard. However, they’re no longer produced in the US and are being phased out of use, as they’re known to use more energy than other types of bulbs. You may still be able to find these bulbs on the shelf, but in most cases, an LED bulb is a better option. Incandescent bulbs get hot and only last approximately 1,000 hours before burning out.

Halogen

Halogen light bulbs feature a heated filament that glows when it gets hot enough. They’re similar to incandescent bulbs, except they use less energy. On average, they last for around 2,000 to 4,000 hours.

Safety First: Essential Tips Before You Start 

Some smart safety tips to follow when changing your lightbulb include:

• Use a safe step ladder when changing a bulb on the ceiling or in a high fixture. Don’t rely on wobbly chairs or other stand-ins — it’s not worth the fall risk.
• Consider turning the power off before removing the old bulb. The safest way to work around electrical sockets is if the power is turned off. 
• Call an expert electrician for help if the fixture or the bulb is broken, the light bulb is stuck in the socket, or you notice issues while changing the bulb, like burn marks. 

How to Change a Light Bulb: Step-by-Step Instructions

 

Below are the step-by-step instructions for safe light bulb replacement in your home. 

1. Select the appropriate bulb for the fixture

Most people choose the same size, shape, and type of lightbulb already being used. If you want to make a change, make sure to choose the appropriate wattage and fit for the fixture. 

2. Turn the power off at the circuit breaker

While not everybody follows this step, it’s the safest way to avoid electrical shock or injury risk.

3. Take off any external glass covers, fittings, or caps

Some fixtures require unscrewing the cover using a screwdriver to access the bulb, while others may have twist-off knobs, a nut, clips, or other means of removal. 

4. Wait for the bulb to cool

If your light bulb is incandescent or halogen, it may be too hot to touch safely with your bare hands. 

5. Remove the bulb

In most cases, simply twist the bulb counter-clockwise until it’s released. If it doesn’t twist easily, use thick gloves or a tool to grip it. If the bulb is stuck or broken, the safest way to handle the situation is to call an electrician to remove it for you. 

6. Put the new bulb in

Double-check the socket’s wattage rating before installing the new lightbulb. If it’s equal to or below the maximum amount, carefully twist the bulb into place. It should turn easily — don’t try to force it if it doesn’t fit properly. You may need to try a different shape or size.

7. Replace the cover

Ensure you replace the cover carefully so it’s tight and secure. 

8. Safely dispose of the bulb 

Properly dispose of the bulb, as some bulbs can’t go into the trash.

Proper Light Bulb Disposal 

Light bulbs have different disposal requirements, depending on the bulb type and where you live. For example, CFL light bulbs contain mercury, which is considered hazardous waste and can’t be thrown into the trash. California has recycling programs for CFL and LED lights, and many counties have safe drop-off areas. 

Incandescent and halogen bulbs can technically go in the trash. However, as they’re made of glass that could injure a sanitation worker, it’s recommended that they be wrapped in newspaper or cardboard. 

Call Express Electrical Today

If you need an electrical job done in your home, big or small, count on the expert electricians at Express Electrical. We can help you test recessed lighting, fix broken sockets, upgrade your electrical system, or rewire your fixtures. 

We’re available to residents in our Southern California service area. We’re happy to answer your questions or provide electrical service, installations, maintenance, or repairs with our friendly same-day service. Contact us today to schedule your service call. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Where can I buy light bulbs?

You can find lightbulbs in any hardware store, department store, or anywhere you’d find home goods. 

How do I know what wattage light bulb I need?

The maximum wattage is printed on your fixture’s socket. Choose any wattage up to that printed number, but if the fixture has more than one bulb, the total light bulb wattage shouldn’t exceed the maximum.

What are lumens, and how do they relate to light bulb brightness?

Light bulb lumens measure the brightness of the bulb. A higher number indicates a brighter light and a lower number indicates a dimmer light. 

How do I change a light bulb in a ceiling fan?

The safest way to change your fan’s lightbulb is to turn off the power, remove the fan’s light cover, unscrew the old bulb, install the new bulb, replace the cover, and then turn the power back on to make sure it works.