Premature Bulb Burnouts
Another week and another bulb to replace. This is getting ridiculous as your garbage bin fills with burnt out light bulbs. Certainly, there must be something amiss as most incandescent bulbs last for thousands of hours. It’s time to shed some light on why your bulbs burn out so quickly.
Some Simple Fixes
There can be a multitude of reasons in varying combinations that may have you replacing your lights prematurely. Let’s start out with probably the most obvious: make sure you use the correct type of bulb with the correct threading. With so many different sizes and shapes, it can be easy to get mixed up and buy the incorrect bulb. Many fixtures will clearly list which bulb works best for the unit. If you are using a dimmer switch, make sure the bulb in question is compatible with that device. Refer to our Determining Dimmability blog post for helpful tips on dimmer switches. If your faulty fixture is outdoors, make sure the bulbs you’re buying are fit for outdoor use as the average bulb may quickly succumb to the elements.
The next thing to check is the seating of your fixture. Make sure everything looks ok: no exposed wires, broken or cracked seals, or evidence of moisture; and check that everything appears to be aligned properly. When you screw in the light bulb, make sure you apply the appropriate amount of pressure: too much and you can damage the threading or the bulb itself; not enough and you could have a flickering light prone to burn out quickly. Depending on the fixture, overheating can also be a potential issue. A buildup of dust or even mold can disrupt airflow and lead to a failing bulb.
More In-Depth Fixes
One of the less obvious potential culprits is excessive vibration. A shaky bulb can burn out quicker than others. If your burnt-out bulb is beneath a playroom or home gym, then this may be your issue. The same goes for a bulb attached to a ceiling fan or garage door. Try swapping it out for a rough-service bulb as their thicker filaments can take more of a beating.
The final possibility is one that requires an expert eye–hence, it’s the last resort. Your premature bulb burnouts could be the result of faulty wiring causing a short circuit. Check your circuit breaker. If you notice the corresponding circuit has been tripped, then that may be your issue. However, it’s recommended you contact a licensed electrician before messing with any wiring yourself.
Stop wasting your wages on failing filaments. Follow these tips to find the perpetrator of your burnt-out bulbs and get your fixtures back in working order. Still not sure what could be the issue? Give our lighting experts a call at 1-800-624-4488 today.
