How to Change a Lightbulb
Changing a light bulb is one of the easiest household repairs you can do yourself, but when you're doing it for the first time it can be very easy to get lost in the hundreds of types of bulbs and wattage.
Light bulbs come in different shapes, sizes, bases, brightness levels, and colors. Using the wrong bulb can result in poor lighting, damage to the fixture, or a bulb that does not fit (aka wasted money).
Before replacing a bulb, make sure you know what type of bulb the fixture requires and
turn the light off before you begin. And remember, asking for help is the first step to succeeding.
Choose the Correct Replacement Bulb
The easiest way to find the right replacement is to remove the old bulb and check the information printed on it. If you no longer have the old bulb, look at the fixture itself.
Some fixtures have the bulb type and maximum wattage printed on a label.
Pay attention to the bulb's base. The base is the part that screws into or connects to the light fixture. A standard screw-in bulb is common in household lamps and fixtures, but smaller fixtures may use different bases.
Wattage
Most fixtures have a maximum wattage. Wattage is the energy requirement for the bulb to be used. This can be found on the base where the bulb screws in, usually on a sticker or directly ingrained. A bulb should be under the maximum wattage, to prevent potential damage or electrical concerns like fires.
The wattage will usually have some type of listing such as:
Max 10 WATT
Max 20 WATT
A bulb may also be measure in lumens, which determines its brightness.
When comparing bulbs, remember that watts measure energy use, while lumens measure the amount of light produced.
Types of Bulbs
If you've ever spent more than 3 minutes in a Home Depot or Lowe's, you already know the lightbulb aisle is MASSIVE. Why is it massive? Because there are so many. damned. bulbs.
There are several types, shapes, and sizes of light bulbs. The most common types you'll encounter are incandescent, halogen, CFL (compact fluorescent), and LED bulbs. They differ in how they produce light, how much energy they use, how long they last, and how much they typically cost to operate.
Incandescent Bulb — Produces light by heating a filament. These bulbs typically use more electricity and have a warm, yellowish light. Their energy use is measured in watts (W).
Halogen Bulb — A type of incandescent bulb that uses halogen gas to produce a brighter, more efficient light than traditional incandescent bulbs. They still use considerably more energy than LEDs and can become very hot during use.
CFL (Compact Fluorescent) Bulb — Uses electricity to excite gas inside the bulb, producing ultraviolet light that causes a fluorescent coating to glow. CFLs generally use less electricity than incandescent bulbs and are available in different color temperatures, from warm to cool light.
LED (Light-Emitting Diode) Bulb — Uses a semiconductor to produce light and generally uses far less electricity than incandescent, halogen, or CFL bulbs. LEDs are available in a wide range of brightness levels and colors and typically last much longer than traditional bulbs.
A bulb with a higher wattage isn't necessarily brighter. For example, an LED can produce a similar amount of light as a much higher-wattage incandescent bulb while using considerably less electricity.
If you want to change your current bulb out for a different type, make sure the wattage is still within the specifications of your light fixture. If you want to switch to LED for energy savings, find a wattage that corresponds to the listed lumens.
Color Temperature
Light bulbs come in different color temperatures, which affect the appearance and feel of the light in a room. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K). Lower Kelvin ratings produce warmer, more yellow or amber-colored light, while higher ratings produce cooler, whiter or slightly bluish light.
Warm white bulbs, usually around 2,700K–3,000K, create a softer, more comfortable atmosphere and are popular in bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas.
Cooler white bulbs, often around 3,500K–4,100K, provide a cleaner, brighter appearance that can work well in kitchens, bathrooms, and work areas.
Daylight bulbs, typically 5,000K or higher, have a crisp, bright appearance that resembles natural daylight and can be useful for detailed tasks or areas where you want a very bright light.
The best color temperature depends on the room and how you use it. You can also mix color temperatures throughout your home rather than using the same type of bulb everywhere. When replacing bulbs, check the Kelvin rating on the package so you know what kind of light you're getting.
Also something important to note: not all bulbs can be put into an enclosed fixture. If your fixture does not allow you to see the bulb once it is installed, this may change the type of bulb you have to get. Always read the box when you are buying a bulb, to make sure it is rated for the type of fixture you have.
Turn Off the Light and Let the Bulb Cool
When you plan to change the bulb, turn the light off and let it cool down for a few minutes.
If the bulb has been on for a prolonged time, give it time to cool. Incandescent and halogen bulbs can become extremely hot and can burn your skin.
You normally don't need to shut off the circuit breaker just to replace a standard light bulb when the fixture has a functioning switch. However, if the fixture is damaged, the switch is not working correctly, you see exposed wiring, or you have another reason to believe the fixture may be unsafe, do not attempt the replacement yourself.
For fixtures in high places, use a sturdy step ladder rather than standing on a chair, countertop, or other unstable surface. Never pull on the fixture, as it can cause wiring to come loose, potentially creating a fire or electrical hazard.
Remove the Old Bulb
Once the bulb is cool, hold the bulb gently and turn it counterclockwise.
Do not squeeze the bulb harder if it does not move. Applying excessive force can break the glass.
If the bulb is stuck, stop and inspect the fixture. A stuck bulb may require a different approach, particularly if the glass begins to crack or the base appears damaged.
If a bulb breaks, do not reach into the fixture with your bare hands. Turn off the power to the fixture, allow any remaining pieces to cool, and carefully clean up the broken glass.
If the metal base remains stuck in the socket, immediately turn off the circuit breaker and DO NOT touch it. Let it sit and discharge energy before attempting to remove the piece. Rubber is a nonconductve material, and rubber gloves may help prevent a residual electric shock.
If you still cannot remove it, you may have to call a qualified electrician for repair. Do not chance self repairs with live wires, keep the power off. Electricity can, and will, kill you in high voltages.
Install the New Bulb
Check that the new bulb matches the fixture before installing it.
Place the bulb into the socket and turn it clockwise until it is secure. Do not force it or overtighten it. A bulb only needs to be screwed in far enough to make proper contact. It should not be wobbly, but it also should be easy enough to unscrew when needed.
Once the bulb is installed, turn the light on.
If it does not work, turn the light off again before troubleshooting. Check whether the bulb is screwed in correctly, whether the bulb is compatible with the fixture, and whether the fixture has power.
If a brand-new bulb does not work but another bulb also fails in the same fixture, the problem may not be the bulb.
Know When the Problem Is Bigger Than the Bulb
Replacing a bulb is different from repairing a light fixture.
Stop if you notice exposed wires, burning smells, scorch marks, sparks, buzzing that was not present before, a loose or damaged socket, or signs that the fixture has been damaged by heat or water.
Repeatedly blown bulbs can also indicate a problem with the fixture or electrical system rather than a string of bad bulbs.
Do not attempt to repair electrical wiring if you are not qualified to do so. Turn off the appropriate circuit and contact a qualified electrician when there is a potential electrical problem.
Final Thoughts
Changing a light bulb is straightforward when you use the correct replacement and give the fixture a quick safety check first. Match the bulb to the fixture, stay within the fixture's wattage limits, let hot bulbs cool before touching them, and do not force a bulb that does not fit or will not come out.
Up Next: A slow or clogged drain is another common household problem that you may be able to handle yourself. The next article How to Unclog a Drain covers what you can try before reaching for harsh chemicals, how to use a plunger and drain snake, and when a clog may require a plumber.
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