Changing and Purchasing Light Bulbs

There are thousands of jokes about the number of people it takes to change a light bulb. As most people know, however, changing a light bulb is, in most cases, a simple one-person job.

 

Before you remove or insert a light bulb, however, make sure the light fixture is turned off. If you are removing a bulb, turn off the light fixture, then let the light bulb cool for a moment, and grasp it lightly but firmly. Turn the bulb counterclockwise (remember: “Righty tighty, lefty loosey”) until it slides off the socket into your hand. Never put your fingers directly into the light socket.

 

Match the old light bulb to a new bulb of the same type and wattage, and then insert the new bulb into the electric socket. This time, turn the bulb clockwise until it is tight in the socket; do not try to overturn it. Now, test the new bulb by turning on the light. 

 

If the new bulb works, throw away the old one out of the reach of small children. If the new bulb does not work, however, try removing it and re-inserting it. If it still doesn’t work, try a different light bulb, and if no bulbs work, you may need to call an electrician for help.

 

It is a good idea to keep a few extra traditional bulbs at your house, but if you need to purchase a new light bulb, take the old one with you to the store to compare against your options. The wattage listed on the socket is the maximum wattage you can use, so try light bulbs of different wattages up to the maximum to determine which type you prefer.

 

Energy-efficient halogen and compact florescent bulbs save energy and money over the long haul, so consider paying a little extra for these bulbs. The other way to save energy and money, of course, is simply to turn off your lights when you are not using them. You can save yourself hundreds of dollars over your lifetime by turning off lights as much as possible.

 

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