If the bulb breaks and you can’t get the base out with the gloves, dispose of the shards properly and clean the area. Next, use needle nose pliers to grasp the base of the light and turn it.
If the bulb has a black spot, you’re using a bulb with higher wattage than recommended for the light fixture. Buy a lower wattage bulb. If the lightbulb was flickering or burns out too quickly, the old bulb was screwed in too tightly. [2] X Research source
If you bought the wrong size bulb, don’t try to make it work. Go back to the store and get the right bulb. Once the bulb is in place, test the bulb by turning the light back on. If it doesn’t work, unscrew the bulb, blow on the socket to remove debris, and try again.
A CFL bulb can use up to 75% less energy than an incandescent bulb and can last up to nine years. An LED bulb can use up to 80% less energy than an incandescent bulb and can last up to twenty years.
Some lightbulbs only have the letter code. If this is the case, you will have to measure the bulb yourself to find the circumference. Multiply this number by 8 to find the code. For example, a 2 1/2” PAR-type lightbulb is a PAR-20. [5] X Research source Remember, make sure to buy a bulb with the correct wattage. Otherwise, you risk starting a fire. This information can be found on the dead bulb.
Be careful when removing the light fixture covering. There may be dead bugs or glass debris inside that could fall in your eyes.
Be careful when removing a fluorescent light bulb. This kind of bulb is prone to breaking. Wear safety goggles when removing fluorescent bulbs from a ceiling fixture. Otherwise, it may break get glass in your eye.
After replacing the bulb, turn on the light to test the bulb before replacing the fixture covering. Some handymen prefer to replace all of the bulbs in a fixture at once to save money and time. [9] X Research source
