We installed 4 Hampton Bay ceiling fans in our home last year. They are moderately priced fans with four lights on each fan. The box included light bulbs for each unit. Now, the bulbs are starting the burn out, and I am having trouble removing them. It seems that the glass section of the bulb is breaking away from the metal base of the bulb. The obvious problem here is I cannot get the base out of the socket. It is happening on all four units. As I start working to replace these bulbs, I wonder if it is the bulbs or the fan light sockets. Has anyone else experienced this problem with Hampton Bay or ceiling fans in general? I don't want to fight this every time a light goes out.

Not uncommon problem, especially with candelabrum bulb. Turn switch off and grasp edge of screw shell with a pair of needle nose pliers and turn. Or push a potato (or an apple) against the socket and turn.

When you install new bulbs put a thin film of petroleum jelly or dialectric grease on the threads of the lamps before installing them.

This is especially useful for lights used outdoors or used in a bathroom.

Potato works better than pliers.