To LED or not LED.…that is the question 

Have an old halogen bulb in your home or office that needs replacing? No problem. This process is a simple task that won’t take too much time out of your busy day. Replacing bulbs is one of the electrical tasks you can do safely by yourself.

Before you reach for another halogen bulb, there are some things you should know. Replacing your old bulb with a new halogen bulb is simple enough, but what if you want just a little bit more out of your lighting? 

You Have Options

Sure, you could simply put in another halogen bulb, and everything will stay the same. It’ll cost the same and last just as long. But what if there were better options? 

Halogen lightbulbs were once the premium option as they lasted considerably longer than incandescent bulbs, but a lot has changed since then. 

While halogen bulbs boast a decent lifespan, it’s not the best available anymore. Plus, halogen bulbs are: 

• Fragile and can break easily
• Dangerously hot to the touch after use
• Damaging to art and fabrics due to the infrared light they put off

For these reasons and more, many people are making the switch to LEDs. These bulbs are a safer and more efficient alternative to the halogen bulbs of the past. LEDs are: 

• Longer lasting (up to 50,000 hours vs. the 20,000 hours halogen lights last)
• Shatter-resistant
• Free of harmful chemicals and gasses
• Energy efficient

Halogen bulbs are not obsolete and they can still be beneficial in certain situations, but now that you have more information, you are better equipped to choose the right bulb replacement for your home or business. 

5 Simple Steps to Change Out a Halogen Bulb

Turn Off The Light

Turn the light switch off and walk away for a few minutes. Halogen bulbs put off a lot of heat, so you need to let it cool down for some time so you don’t burn your hand. 

If you aren’t entirely certain whether the power to the light is off, shut it off at the breaker panel, just to be safe.

Put On Some Gloves

This approach serves a dual purpose. Gloves protect your hands from any lingering heat and protect the new bulb from the oils in your fingers. If you don’t have gloves, use a piece of cloth. You want to avoid leaving any oils on the replacement bulb. Also, be careful not to squeeze too tightly on the bulb and cause it to break.

Find Your Footing

In many cases, the lightbulb will be in the ceiling, so you’ll need a little help accessing it. Opt for a sturdy chair or ladder. Have someone spot you if possible to help keep you stable while you are working overhead. 

Remove The Old Bulb

Halogen bulbs are either screwed or clipped in. If yours is the clip in kind, give it at least 20 minutes to make sure it’s completely cooled down. Once it’s cool, simply unclip it and take it out. 

For screw in bulbs, place your covered palm against the bulb and gently twist the bulb counterclockwise to remove it. 

Install The New Bulb

Check to make sure your new lightbulb matches the existing one in terms of receptacle design. Screw in the new bulb snugly. Over tightening can cause damage to the bulb. Be careful to correctly insert clip in style bulbs when re-installing.

Residential & Commercial Electrical Services You Can Trust

Whether in need of help with repairs or electrical upgrades, Maryland, Delaware, and DC Metropolitan residents and business owners have come to rely on the exceptional electrician services at Sansbury Electric. 

We take pride in every job we do, promising to always offer fast, safe, and experienced service when you need it. Contact us today to find out how we can help with your next electrical project. 

Give us a call at 301-920-0595 or complete the form on our contact page to receive your free quote. 

Sansbury Electric is a small, locally-owned business, with over 30 years of experience that have served Washington, D.C, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware since 2010. Our team is known for our high-quality electrical services with a team that delivers a client focused experience. Honesty, ease for the client, friendliness, and an on-time and on-budget experience are the core values that drive our day-to-day interactions.