Spring Cleaning: Replace Old Light Bulbs

How many homeowners does it take to change a lightbulb? It’s really no joke, the answer is just one. You. But it may require a stepladder to reach it and a screwdriver to remove the light globe. For many of you, this may be a tad more effort than you’ve had the time (or desire) to lend these days.

As part of your spring cleaning tasks this year, how about extending the effort to not only replace those burnt out old light bulbs, but to upgrade them as well?

Think your burned out bulbs are no big deal?

Those burned out bulbs in your house don’t just make it harder to see, some of them are still using energy – despite providing no usable light to you. For old-school, Edison-style incandescent bulbs this is not the case, as when filaments break electrical current is cut off. Fluorescents, CFLs, and LEDs are another story, however. The ballasts of fluorescents, built-in ballasts of CFLs, and electronic components in LEDs can continue to consume electricity even after they’ve “burned out.” In fact, some burned out CFLs tested with a Kill A Watt electricity meter by users have been revealed to still be consuming 50 percent of the power of a good bulb! So be certain to tackle those burned out bulbs in your spring cleaning routine this year.

Alright, you’ve convinced me, what do you mean by “upgrading” older light bulbs?

Well, we don’t just mean swapping out your old light bulbs with one that is exactly the same. If you’re going to do the job, do it right! Light bulb technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, so it may be time to consider upgrading your current old light bulbs to more energy efficient styles.

• Good

  • Traditional fluorescents
    Home and commercial fluorescent lighting solutions use 1/5 to 1/3 as much energy as incandescents, last 10 times longer, and offer comparable lumen ratings.
  • Halogens
    Halogens are twice as efficient as incandescents, and are well-suited for outdoor lighting applications.

• Better

  • CFLs
    Marginally cheaper than LEDs, compact fluorescents last 10 times longer and use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs, but must be handled with care as bulbs contain a small amount of mercury.

• Best

  • LEDs
    LED bulbs have dropped drastically in price in the past year, with some local home improvement stores offering them in multi-pack boxes for less than $2/bulb, making them an even better investment in energy savings. Why? Because LEDs use 75-80% less energy than traditional incandescents, and last 25 times longer. If you hate changing out old light bulbs, this is the bulb for you.

  Compatibility problems?

  If your spring cleaning light bulb replacement and upgrade project reveals the bulb you’d prefer isn’t so compatible with the your existing light fixture, it may be time to shed a little light on things with an upgrade to those as well. Light fixtures can be easily and inexpensively swapped by your Mr. Electric^® professional, offering you options that not only provide better quality light, but update the look of your home and reduce your energy costs as well.

  Are you ready to ditch those old light bulbs? Get the help you need with the help of Mr. Electric today.

  For Further Reading:

  Spring Cleaning: Light Globes

  The Best Electrical Inventions in the Last 20 Years

  Appliances That Need Dedicated Circuits, Part 1

  Appliances That Need Dedicated Circuits, Part 2

  Appliances That Need Dedicated Circuits, Part 3