How to Replace Incandescent Light Bulbs with LEDs?
Incandescent and LED bulbs typically use the same base. As long as you select a product that works for your existing fixture, the replacement process is straightforward. Steps shown as below:
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Remove the incandescent bulb and allow the outer surface to cool for a few minutes.
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Install the LED bulb by screwing it into the fixture base. Please avoid over-tightening the product.
How to Find the Appropriate Lumens for Your Light
When you switch from an
incandescent light bulb to an
LED design, you'll notice that one product uses watts, and the other uses lumens. Here's a simple conversion chart for you to reference to ensure the correct product gets installed.
Incandescent Bulb Wattage
|
LED Bulb Lumens |
|
40-watt Incandescent Bulb |
500 Lumens |
|
60-watt Incandescent Bulb |
800 Lumens |
|
75-watt Incandescent Bulb |
1200 Lumens |
|
100-watt Incandescent Bulb |
1600 Lumens |
|
150-watt Incandescent Bulb |
2800 Lumens |
Most fixtures, especially in older homes, are built to handle the higher wattage levels of incandescent lights. That's why once you replace an incandescent bulb with LED, you can see energy use reductions immediately.
The one exception is if you have dimmable incandescent bulbs at home. Older switches are not compatible with LED lights, which means you'll need to upgrade the hardware and the bulb before you'll get the results you want.
How to Choose Incandescent Alternatives?
You'll find LED bulbs are available for lamps of types, shapes, styles, and sizes. When searching for the best LED light for your needs,
review the base type you need for your fixtures first. Most people have
A19 incandescent lights installed at home, which means you'll need to find the same base to have a compatible upgrade. Smaller bases, as you can find on candle-style bulbs, are typically on an A21 base. You'd need to get a product with the same construction – and ensure the fixture isn't on a dimmer.
Today's LEDs come with the option to replace the entire fixture instead of the bulb. If you have a ceiling light or something in a challenging location to manage, it might be easier to invest in a more significant upgrade. You can still pick from different color tones and smart technologies in this category.
FAQs You May Concerned About When Replacing Incandescent Bulb with LED
1. What If I Can't Get the Incandescent Bulb Out of the Fixture?
Here are the steps to follow if you encounter a stuck bulb:
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Turn the power off to the fixture. Keep it taped to prevent something from accidentally flipping it on while working.
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Put on personal protective equipment.
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Choose an extraction method for the bulb. A suction cup tool is often effective if you have a flat bottom inside a ceiling fixture, such as a recessed light. Another option is to use duct tape to create a handhold. Just remember to wait until the surface is cool to ensure you get a solid hold.
-
Once the old bulb is out, you can place the LED alternative in its place. It might help to place a small amount of silicone spray in the fixture to lubricate the threads. If you put your hands into the base receptacle area, take a moment to wipe it out first to avoid hand oils from causing potential disruptions.
2. What If the Light Bulb Breaks During Extraction?
If the light bulb shatters when removing it, you must still get it out of the fixture to finish the LED upgrade. The easiest tool to use is a pair of pliers. Another trick is to use a raw potato. Make sure the switch is still off. Then cut the potato in half, pressing it firmly against the socket to get enough leverage to twist the base.
A broken bulb extractor tool might be necessary should those options not work. Once the broken bulb is out, you can clean the fixture and install the LED alternative. If the glass from the incandescent breaks, please remember to clean up the area thoroughly to avoid leaving glass splinters on the floor.
