I had 4 compact fluorescent bulbs (candelabra base) in a ceiling fan that I recently installed and they would flicker terribly until I replaced one with an incandescent bulb and it stopped. The fan is not on a dimmer switch. Any ideas on what is causing this and does it need to be fixed? [more inside]
posted by tvgraphicsguy on Sep 20, 2009 - 11 answers

Someone balanced a compact fluorescent lightbulb on my doorknob so that it would break inside my apartment when I opened the door. Can I do anything about this? Am I overreacting? [more inside]
posted by telegraph on Aug 25, 2009 - 30 answers

When my window-unit air conditioner revs its motor, my overhead light dims... then seriously brightens up when the AC slows down. It's annoying. Is there anything I can do? [more inside]
posted by SuperNova on Aug 19, 2009 - 11 answers

Why do the glass parts of my light bulbs keep separating from the metal? [more inside]
posted by emumimic on Jun 2, 2009 - 7 answers

What kinds of light bulbs and trims can I put in my ceiling-recessed light cans? [more inside]
posted by Nelson on Mar 16, 2009 - 8 answers

Three of our lights have burned out, and it's about time I replaced them. Thing is, I have no idea where to start. [more inside]
posted by robcorr on Feb 21, 2009 - 4 answers

Are there some specific CFL models that will light just like my old soft incandescent light bulbs? [more inside]
posted by metajc on Sep 12, 2008 - 13 answers

What's the best light bulb option these days? I need to replace the bulbs in my bathroom (9, 40 watt bulbs currently). Lights are typically on for about 20 minutes a day. Occasional they'll be on and off quickly. There are no windows. I want to be environmentally conscious, but price does factor in at some level. [more inside]
posted by willnot on Jul 22, 2008 - 10 answers

How can I change this lightbulb? [more inside]
posted by BorgLove on Jul 14, 2008 - 10 answers

Can I use a one-way CFL bulb in a three-way socket? [more inside]
posted by binary on Jun 8, 2008 - 6 answers

The side-by-side fridge in our rental (a GE tfx22zrs, tfx22jrs) has been failing to keep the refrigerator side cool (freezer side works fine). I think I have traced this down to some kind of lightbulb short -- the bulb heats up so much, so fast, I presume it is keeping the food from getting cool; possible fuse problem? Do fridges have user-serviceable fuses? Or is this a compressor problem and the lightbulb a red herring? [more inside]
posted by fishfucker on May 17, 2008 - 11 answers

Why won't CFLs work in my fixture? [more inside]
posted by Shebear on Feb 1, 2008 - 9 answers

What's the best CFL or similar for recessed lighting? A previous question didn't quite provide the direct recommendation I'm looking for. [more inside]
posted by aladfar on Jan 5, 2008 - 5 answers

How many metafites does it take to change a light bulb? [more inside]
posted by jesirose on Jun 16, 2007 - 21 answers

I have a table lamp that takes a three-way bulb. The lamp does not have a standard switch; rather, you adjust the intensity of the light and turn the lamp on or off by tapping the metal base one, two, or three times. Recently the lamp's bulb burned out and I replaced it with the same kind of three-way bulb that was in there before. But now tapping the base produces no effect - the lamp stays on its brightest setting and can only be turned on and off by plugging it in or unplugging it. What happened, and can it be fixed? I've only had this lamp for about six months, and it wasn't cheap. I've tried various different bulbs, but nothing seems to work.
posted by zembla3 on Jun 8, 2007 - 7 answers

Craftiwork Filter: Help me turn an antique bottle into a light bulb/fixture. The incandescent sort. [more inside]
posted by Phyltre on May 27, 2007 - 10 answers

Why do my light bulbs keep burning out? [more inside]
posted by PEAK OIL on Mar 5, 2007 - 17 answers

I'm looking to do an art project that involves photographing a bunch of lights, 25-50 lights, spread throughout a small area of a pine forest. What would be the best, really cheap, way to make these "independent lights". [more inside]
posted by ztdavis on Mar 2, 2007 - 21 answers

Does anyone make a better bulb for those ubiquitous halogen torchieres? [more inside]
posted by bink on Feb 20, 2007 - 13 answers

My wife and I have the dumbest homeowning question ever: we can't figure out how to change a light bulb. [more inside]
posted by COBRA! on Feb 16, 2007 - 42 answers

Does an incandescent lightbulb continue to use electricity after it's burnt out? [more inside]
posted by muddylemon on Feb 10, 2007 - 13 answers

I am decorating my porch for halloween. I am thinking of having an exposed hanging lightbulb (the kind normally found in attics) which keeps flickering on and off, like it's about to short out. How do I make this happen? [more inside]
posted by 23skidoo on Oct 20, 2006 - 10 answers

Is it normal for a halogen light bulb to crackle a little bit after you first install it? [more inside]
posted by adrian_h on Jul 5, 2006 - 8 answers

Homerepairfilter: a light bulb blows out. The glass and metal part separate. How do I get the metal part out so I can replace the bulb? [more inside]
posted by Famous on Jun 6, 2006 - 21 answers

At what point in the lifespan of a conventional incandescent lightbulb is it most cost-effective to replace it with an energy-efficient bulb? [more inside]
posted by Faint of Butt on Feb 8, 2006 - 17 answers

Help me name and find an electronic component [more inside]
posted by thewittyname on Sep 3, 2005 - 16 answers

Anybody know how to change the lightbulb in a swimming pool? [more inside] [more inside]
posted by ook on Jan 6, 2004 - 7 answers