Lighting – How to Change this Burned Out Light Bulb

If you don't want to get an 20' extension ladder (which can be very difficult to transport home from the store), then you can get one of the Little Giant or Werner multi-ladders:

Or you can get the werner folding ladder:

But, a good ladder will pay off in more ways than just this - cleaning gutters, etc.

Its been painted, and badly at that, which is going to make everything stick together. Get a utility knife and score around the edge of the flashing, a.k.a the baffle, and see if it will come off after that. Modern day recessed light baffles are held in place by three metal tabs that push on the side of the can. They are like springs. When I take my down to replace the bulb it feels like I"m going to pull the whole thing out of the ceiling. The thing has a death grip on the can. Could be similar with yours, in which case the flashing will pull straight down. On my cans I had to use a metal L shaped dental pick to get under the lip of the can so I could get my fingers under it and start pulling.