The average incandescent bulb has a lifespan of about 1,000 hours, so homeowners can usually count on several months of use before bulb replacement. However, a few major factors can affect how long your bulb lasts. If your light bulbs seem to constantly burn out - or if you're interested in the benefits of converting to LED lighting - check out David Gray's insights.
Improper Connection
The most common reason for a burnt-out bulb is perhaps the most frustrating. Many homeowners may not realize that simply screwing in a lightbulb too tightly can drastically reduce its lifespan. Why? Screwing in bulbs too tightly can damage the fixture-to-bulb connection. When this connection becomes compromised, no new bulb will do the trick, and the fixture must be replaced.
Another cause for a faulty connection is a poorly-made bulb. Some inexpensive brands of light bulbs have little or no solder on the contact point of the bulb. To determine whether the bulb or the fixture is the problem, test a different brand of light bulb or try your current bulb in another fixture. If you determine that the fixture may be the issue, consider calling an electrician to switch out the fixture for a new one if necessary.
Excessive Heat or Vibration
Even bulbs that have the correct wattage for your fixture can produce excessive heat, causing the bulb to burn out prematurely. This is often caused by using a bulb that is too large for your fixture. It's important to note that although a large bulb may have the correct wattage and base size, the fixture may not be designed to adequately disperse heat through a larger bulb. Try a smaller light bulb or a bulb with a lower wattage.
Excessive vibration can also cause bulb burnout. Homeowners often notice this issue in ceiling fixtures that are placed underneath active areas of the home, such as an exercise room or playroom. A wobbly ceiling fan may also be the culprit. Consider using a rough service bulb or switching to LED lights to remedy this issue.
Poorly-Installed Wiring
If you've eliminated the most common causes and find yourself continually replacing certain bulbs in your home, the issue may be more serious. Loose connections - whether within the fixture itself or in the wiring across your home - can cause fluctuating currents. These wild currents can not only kill light bulbs, but may also put your home at risk for an electrical fire. You will need to remove the problem fixture to inspect the connections, so it's best to call a licensed electrician. A professional can examine the fixtures and wiring and recommend a solution. They may suggest converting to LED bulbs and fixtures, which produce less heat and use significantly less energy than their incandescent counterparts.
If you're struggling with a constant stream of burned-out light bulbs and can't locate the culprit, or if you're interested in converting to energy-efficient LED lighting, call David Gray Electrical at (904) 605-8190 or visit our website at www.davidgrayelectricalservices.com.