How to Change a Halogen Bulb

Homeowners are replacing their old-fashioned incandescent bulbs with halogen bulbs. Halogen bulbs cast a brighter, whiter light than the yellow tint given off by incandescent bulbs. They last two to three times longer than incandescent bulbs. Halogen bulbs are technically incandescent bulbs, but they use a different type of gas and housing, which gives them the whiter light and longer life than the traditional incandescent bulbs.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Turn off the electrical source for the halogen bulb.

2. Allow the halogen bulb to cool. Touching a hot bulb can cause a serious burn.

3. Place your fingers lightly but firmly around the bulb. It is a good idea to use a cloth glove or other soft cloth to avoid getting body oil on the glass surface. Turn the bulb in a counter-clockwise direction to unscrew the bulb from the light source.

4. Continue unscrewing until the bulb is free from the light source.

5. Place a new halogen bulb in the light source by screwing the bulb in a clockwise motion until it stops.

6. Turn on the light, and enjoy the bright light given off by your halogen bulb.

Tips & Warnings

• For bulbs in high places, use a light bulb gripper found in hardware stores.

• It is a good idea to use cloth gloves when changing bulbs. Oil from fingertips can cause a dark spot to form on the bulb.

• Halogen bulbs give off high heat and can cause serious burns if touched. Do not touch a halogen bulb when it is on.

• Older halogen lamps are dangerous when tipped over. If you have an older lamp, make sure it has a heat guard attached.