How to Replace Fluorescent Bulbs With Incandescent Bulbs
Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs use less energy, resulting in a longer life for the bulbs and lower power bills. However, CFL bulbs do differ from traditional incandescent bulbs. Some CFL bulbs require up to five minutes to warm up before they fully illuminate, and some people dislike the slightly brighter hue of the light produced. Not all CFL bulbs can be used for certain applications such as dimmer switches and ceiling fans. For these reasons, some people prefer to forgo the savings CFL bulbs offer and switch back to traditional bulbs. This is a simple process and can be done in a few easy steps. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Replacing a CFL Bulb with an Incandescent Bulb
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1
Turn off or unplug the light fixture so that it does not carry electricity.
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2
Unscrew the CFL bulb from the light. Make sure to hold the base of the bulb rather than the glass--this will greatly reduce your chances of accidentally breaking the bulb.
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3
Place the CFL bulb in a sealed bag or container (a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or a plastic bag with a seal). This way, if the CFL bulb breaks after removal, debris will be contained.
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4
Dispose of the CFL bulb. Research CFL disposal regulations for your area. Rules vary from place to place, so check with your sanitation department to make sure you're disposing of the CFL bulb correctly. CFLs can often be recycled at major retailers and local recycling centers--this allows you to safely and responsibly dispose of the bulbs.
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5
Check the required wattage on your light fixture.
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6
Purchase incandescent bulbs of the appropriate wattage for your fixture.
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7
Screw the new bulb into the light fixture. After the bulb is securely in place, you can turn the light on.
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Tips & Warnings
For problems using CFL bulbs in a ceiling fan or dimmer switch, make sure you're using the right kind of CFL bulb before switching to incandescent.
If your CFL bulb breaks, you must follow the proper cleanup procedure to ensure your safety. EnergyStar.gov offers a guide for safely cleaning up a broken CFL bulb.
Incandescent bulbs that exceed the maximum wattage of the light fixture can cause a fire.
To prevent electric shock, disconnect power to the fixture before replacing the bulb.
Avoid burns. Allow the CFL bulb a few minutes to cool before you remove it.
