Do light bulbs need to be replaced?

Author: Marielle Gerlach  |  Last update: Sunday, October 5, 2025

It's probably something you haven't given much thought to, but the light bulbs in your house need to be replaced regularly. Many people think they can go years without replacing them, but that's not the case.

How to tell if a light bulb needs to be replaced?

First indication is that the Bulb in question no longer produces light. Swap the bulb with one know to work... if it lights, the other bulb is bad. If no light is produced with the replacement bulb in the same socket, you have a hardware issue.

Do you just throw away old light bulbs?

Standard incandescent light bulbs are not (yet) recyclable, so the proper method of disposal is to simply discard them in the dustbin (garbage can).

How often should you replace light bulbs?

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) might start off a bit dim but can shine for an impressive 10,000 to 20,000 hours once they get going. Halogens, while an upgrade from incandescents, typically last about 2,500 hours. Lastly, LEDs are the true champions in the longevity game, with some lasting up to 50,000 hours.

What light bulbs don't need to be replaced?

LEDs are best known for their extremely long life and energy efficiency. LEDs don't “burn out” like incandescent bulbs do.

How to Choose a Lightbulb | Lowe's How-to

Can you still buy incandescent light bulbs?

A ban covering most general service incandescent lamps took effect in the United States in 2023, excluding unusual and novelty lamps and lamps used for purposes other than for lighting occupied spaces.

What light bulbs to avoid?

Be especially careful using halogen light bulbs. They run hotter than any other type of light bulb. Consider using LEDs or CFLs. They do not give off as much heat and last much longer than incandescent bulbs, so you will not have to replace them as often.

Can a light bulb last 20 years?

On average LED light bulbs will not have to be changed for at least 20 years. That's 20 years that you don't have to worry about changing a light, and 20 years where maintenance workers at your facility can work on other tasks. LED is an investment that saves time and money!

Is it bad to leave a light bulb on all night?

Having your lamp on for a couple of hours as you watch television is fine; leaving it on all night while you sleep is not. An overheated bulb can catch fire very quickly, especially if it is a bulb that is near the end of its life. If your lamp requires a specialty bulb, that is the bulb you should buy.

How often do you water new bulbs?

Once bulbs start growing in the spring, water once a week (if you haven't had any measurable rain) — this is especially important while they're flowering. Water once a week until foliage dies back. Do not water spring blooming bulbs in the summer when they are dormant.

How to tell if a light bulb has mercury?

To know if a lamp contains mercury; look for the symbol “Hg” on the bulb or the fixture, or for the statement “Contains mercury” on the packaging or its manual.

Does Home Depot recycle light bulbs?

Customer Recycling Services

The Home Depot takes back rechargeable batteries, CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) and plastic bags. You can find a recycling bin with directions for dropping off these materials near the entrance of your local Home Depot store.

Does Lowes charge to recycle fluorescent tubes?

Home Depot, Lowes and Aubuchon Hardware Stores Home Depot and Lowes will accept and recycle Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) only, and recycle them at no cost to the consumer.

How to check if a light bulb is bad?

How do you know when a light bulb is bad? If the light bulb is physically broken or will not turn on, consider it broken. Or, test the bulb with your multimeter and check the reading. The multimeter tests the continuity of your circuit, which is necessary for a bulb to function.

Can I put a 40W bulb in a 60W socket?

The answer: generally, yes, it is safe as long as the actual wattage of the LED bulb is within the limits of the socket or fixture.

Do you need an electrician to change a light bulb?

The simple answer is no. But the more complicated answer depends on whether the light bulb is easy or hard to reach. There are also different styles of lights and light bulbs installed in homes, so if in doubt always call in a licensed electrician.

Does leaving a light on at night deter burglars?

Less is more when it comes to using lights to deter burglars, it turns out. If you use smart lighting functionality through your home security system to make it seem as though someone is home, this may deter a burglar. If you simply leave your lights on all day and all night, you could do the opposite.

Why do light bulbs burn out so fast in my house?

Loose wiring or circuits.

If there is loose wiring in the wall outlet or hardwire connection, it could be causing short circuits or small electrical surges. This can burn out bulbs quickly, and could be a fire hazard as well. You may need electrical socket repair.

What shortens the life of a light bulb?

LED bulbs are especially sensitive to heat, though too much heat can shorten the lifespan of incandescent and CFL bulbs, as well. Light bulbs that are fully enclosed (like in globes in ceiling fans) are more susceptible to premature failure from excessive heat because the enclosure traps the heat.

What is the longest-lasting light bulb you can buy?

Unlike the Centennial light, there is no mystery why the Class A LED light bulbs work for that long! Class A LEDs have a lifespan of 50,000 hours, making them the longest-lasting light bulb available on the market, while keeping their strength and brightness in full all the way.

Why do LED light bulbs not last?

Many factors impact the lifespan of LED light bulbs, including humidity, quality of the bulb, and temperature. Sometimes, due to poor installation, the LED bulbs end up burning or damaging.

Why are light bulbs being banned?

Why certain light bulbs are now banned. General service lamps, or lightbulbs, are now being regulated to conserve energy and help consumers save on their energy bills, according to the Department of Energy. New technology, such as LED lights, are proving to be much more efficient at lighting homes.

Where should you not use LED bulbs?

An LED bulb will not work in an enclosed or airtight space because, in these fixtures, there is not enough room for the LED bulb to dissipate heat.

Can leaving a light on at night cause a fire?

But it also comes with certain risks. For example, halogenic and incandescent bulbs can cause fire if left on for 24 hours or more. Ultimately, this makes them potential fire hazards and is not the best way to keep burglars at bay.

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