Whether you’re living alone for the first time or have simply always had someone else switch out old bulbs for you until now, there are many reasons why you might be unsure how to change a light bulb. If that’s the case, there’s no need to worry - replacing your light bulbs couldn’t be easier.
In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to change a light bulb, including:
- How to choose the right bulb
- Safety considerations
- How to change a bulb step by step
- How to dispose of old bulbs
Ready to learn how to put a light bulb in? Let’s get into it.
Choosing the right type of bulb
Although there are lots of different types of bulbs, you’ll want to opt for LED lighting products when swapping out your old bulbs. LED bulbs are energy efficient, don’t produce heat, and typically last over 10 years or 100,000 hours before they need to be replaced.
Other bulb types like CFL, incandescent, and halogen bulbs are no longer for sale in the UK because they are much less energy efficient and don’t have very long lifespans - incandescent bulbs only last around 1,000 hours before burning out. However, while buying new incandescent, CFL, or halogen bulbs is largely prohibited, you can continue to use any you already have in your home.
Lumens vs watts
While bulb brightness has historically been measured in watts, this has become a much less accurate measure of brightness as bulbs have become more energy efficient and started to use fewer watts. Instead, bulb brightness is now measured in lumens.
When choosing new LED bulbs for your lighting fixtures, always consider the lumens. More lumens means the light will be brighter; fewer lumens means the light will be dimmer. Although there’s no right or wrong when it comes to lumens, you might choose to have brighter bulbs in spaces like the kitchen where high visibility is important and dimmer bulbs in rooms like the bedroom where you want the lighting to be more subtle.
Colour temperature
Light bulbs also have different colour temperatures, which are measured on the Kelvin (K) scale and range from warm to cool. You should opt for warm bulbs (3000K or less) if you’re changing a bulb in a space like the bedroom or living room as these help to create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. If you’re changing a bulb in a practical space like your kitchen or home office, choose a bulb with a cooler colour temperature (4000K or more).
LED bulb type
You’ll also notice when picking out bulbs that they’re available in a wide range of different shapes. These include:
- A60 light bulb: These pear-shaped bulbs are the most commonly used type of light bulbs and have a wide variety of uses throughout your home.
- GU10 LED bulb: These bulbs are popular in a variety of settings, including track lighting, recessed lighting, and pendant lighting.
- C35 bulb: These bulbs are sometimes known as candle bulbs because their shape resembles a candle flame. They’re often used in decorative features including chandeliers.
Choose a bulb with a shape best suited to the size and style of the fixture you’re replacing the bulb in.
Base type
The base is the part of the light bulb that connects into the light socket. Different fixtures require different bases, and your bulb won’t fit if you choose the wrong type.
You can work out what base type you need by looking at the letters and numbers used to label the bulb and making sure these match up to the letters and numbers on your light fixtures. The letter indicates the base type, while the number indicates the diameter in millimeters.
Before you start: Safety considerations
Before we get into how to remove a light bulb and replace it with a new one, there are some important safety precautions you should follow:
- Always turn the power off at the circuit breaker before replacing a bulb. This is the safest way to make sure you don’t electrocute yourself.
- Use a sturdy step ladder if you’re changing a bulb on the ceiling. Don’t rely on wobbly chairs - you could fall and injure yourself.
- Make sure the bulb is cool before you begin. LED bulbs don’t produce heat, but incandescent and halogen bulbs do.
- Call a registered electrician if the fixture or bulb is broken, the light bulb is stuck in the socket, or you notice anything else that looks wrong while changing the bulb, such as burn marks. It’s best to be cautious than to risk your safety!
How to change a light bulb: Step by step
To safely change a light bulb in your home:
- Select the right bulb for the fixture: Use the guidelines above to determine which type of bulb you need. If the current bulb in the fixture is an LED with the right lumen count and colour temperature, you can simply purchase the same bulb again!
- Turn the power off at the circuit breaker: This is the safest way to avoid electric shocks and ensure your safety when changing the bulb.
- Remove any external glass covers or caps: Some fixtures have external covers that you’ll need to unscrew using a screwdriver to access the bulb. Others may have twist-off knobs or clips that need to be removed.
- Remove the bulb: Not sure how to unscrew a light bulb? In most cases, simply twisting it anti-clockwise will release it. If it doesn’t twist out easily, try using some thick rubber gloves to grip it. If the bulb is stuck or broken, call an electrician to remove it for you.
- Put the new bulb in: Carefully twist the bulb into place, ensuring it’s compatible with the fixture. It should turn easily, so don’t try to force it if it doesn’t seem to fit properly. You may need a different shape or size if this happens.
- Replace any covers: Ensure any covers you removed at the start are properly secured back into place.
How should I dispose of old light bulbs?
All domestic light bulbs can be recycled in the UK, whether they’re LEDs or older bulbs like halogens, incandescents, and CFLs. Some bulbs like CFLs contain potentially dangerous substances like mercury, so they should not be thrown away in your household waste bin.
Find your nearest electrical recycling point and take your old light bulbs there to be disposed of properly.
Choose Vision Lighting for all your home lighting needs
Now that you know how to change a light bulb, all you need to do is find the right bulbs. At Vision Lighting, we have a wide range of LED products for you to choose from, including LED bulbs, LED strip lights, and more.
Need help choosing the right bulbs for your home? Contact our team or give us a call on 01132 799745 and we’ll be happy to help.
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