Hey everyone, I'm curious about how long I can keep a burnt-out light bulb without replacing it. My ceiling light bulb has died, but I have no idea how to change it myself. My landlord is currently on vacation and won't be back for about three weeks. I've been using a desk lamp instead, which I turn off when I'm not using it. Is it safe to leave the burnt-out bulb as is? I just want to make sure I'm not putting the house at risk since I can't afford an electrician right now.
3 Answers
If it’s just a regular burnt-out bulb, you shouldn't worry about it at all! It’s not completing a circuit, so it’s safe to leave there indefinitely. However, if it’s broken and you can see parts of it dangling, just be careful — the exposed bits can have live current if the switch is on. But in your case, as long as it’s not physically cracked, you’re in the clear!
Honestly, replacing light bulbs is super easy! Even if you're unsure, you can handle it. Just unscrew the old one and put in a new one. There’s no real danger unless you’re digging your fingers directly into the socket. You got this — girl power and all that!
Make sure to check your lease agreement, as it usually specifies who handles bulb replacements. If it’s one of those LED fixtures that’s built-in, then your landlord is on the hook for that. For now, you can definitely leave it as is — no harm done either way! And just a heads-up, it's totally okay to ask questions; we all start learning somewhere!