[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=”” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”false” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” first=”true” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” spacing_right=”2.6666666666666665%”][fusion_code]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[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
Why Do My Light Bulbs Keep Burning Out?
Do you have light bulbs that keep burning out? This is a common problem with many causes. Finding a permanent solution to frequent light bulb issues can conserve energy, save money, and improve safety. One option is to install newer, more efficient bulbs; this is a beneficial electrical upgrade. Continue reading to discover why light bulbs are burning out often and how you can fix this troublesome issue for good.
Common Causes of Light Bulbs Burning Out
There are many reasons burned-out bulbs are a regular occurrence. The most common causes of light bulb burnout include the following:
Electrical Issues
There’s a strong connection between electrical issues and light bulbs. A bulb is directly connected to electrical wiring and produces light from electricity that runs through it. Here are the most common electrical issues that affect lights.
- Overvoltage: If the current is higher than the bulb is rated for, it can burn out.
- Faulty Wiring: A bad wire or loose connection in a light fixture can cause power fluctuations that damage the filament.
- Overloads: Too much electricity in the circuit can overheat the bulb and burn it out.
Fixture Problems
A problem with the light fixture can cause a bulb to fail. Common fixture problems include the following:
- Loose/Damaged Sockets: If the socket is loose or damaged, or the tab doesn’t make contact with the bulb, the light can stop working.
- An Enclosed/Recessed Fixture Overheats: Overheating can cause bulbs to flicker or burn out; an automatic shutoff feature can also kick in.
- Incompatible Dimmer Switches: Using the wrong dimmer switch can cause the bulb to fail. For example, a standard dimmer can damage an LED bulb.
Bulb-Specific Issues
Problems with light bulbs that can cause them to burn out include:
- The Wrong Wattage: The wattage rating of the bulb and fixture must match.
- Old or Inferior Light Bulbs: The light bulb may be past its life expectancy or of poor quality.
- Frequent On/Off Cycles: Turning the fixture on and off too frequently can wear out the filament and other parts.
How Environmental Factors Impact Light Bulb Lifespan
Environmental factors can also affect a light bulb’s lifespan. For example, extreme temperatures can reduce efficiency. If it’s too hot or too cold, a light bulb may not last as long. High humidity can cause sockets to corrode, while an accumulation of dust can overheat the bulb or fixture.
How to Troubleshoot Light Bulb Issues
Determining why light bulbs keep burning out can help you find a solution to the problem. Here are some light bulb troubleshooting tips that can help you identify the source of the issue and determine the next steps:
- Check the Fixture and Wiring: If the socket is loose, try to tighten it and see if the next bulb lasts longer. Damaged parts should be replaced. If you suspect a wiring problem, consult an electrician, who can check for faulty wiring or test the circuit and make the appropriate repairs.
- Evaluate Your Bulbs: Check the bulb’s wattage matches the fixture’s rating and make sure the next bulb uses the right wattage. Also, look for signs of bulb damage such as a worn base or burnt filament. You can also try an LED or other longer-lasting bulb, which is also more efficient.
- Look at Usage Habits: Turn the light on only when necessary and leave it off when you don’t need it. Fewer on/off cycles can increase the bulb’s life. If the fixture is prone to overheating, reduce the amount of time it’s in use.
Solutions to Prevent Light Bulbs from Burning Out
Burnt-out bulbs don’t have to be a frequent occurrence. You can achieve a longer light bulb lifespan with the following tips:
- Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Bulbs: An Energy Star-rated LED bulb can last up to 25 times longer than an incandescent bulb. It also uses at least 75% less energy.
- Repair or Replace Faulty Fixtures: Repairing damaged sockets and replacing old light fixtures can increase the longevity of bulbs, as can installing a compatible dimmer.
- Address Electrical Issues: If voltage spikes and surges are common in your home, install surge protectors. Also, consider hiring an electrician to inspect the wiring for any issues.
When to Call a Professional Electrician
If you’re not sure why light bulbs are failing quickly and other issues, such as flickering lights or frequent outages are occurring, call an electrician. Faulty wiring and overloaded circuits can lead to more than bulb damage. They can trigger sparks, shocks, and home electrical fires. Hiring a licensed electrician ensures no issue is missed and the underlying problem is permanently fixed without any safety concerns. It can also save you a lot of money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should a Light Bulb Typically Last?
While an incandescent bulb can last up to 2,000 hours, a halogen bulb can last 4,000 hours and an LED bulb can last as long as 50,000 hours. The product package should list the product’s estimated lifespan.
Are Certain Types of Light Bulbs More Prone to Burnout?
Incandescent light bulbs are more prone to burning out due to using an incorrect wattage. A compact fluorescent bulb or LED bulb operates at a lower voltage, so this isn’t as common an issue for them. However, an incompatible dimmer switch can cause them to fail. Excess heat or voltage can damage any light bulb.
What Happens If I Overtighten a Light Bulb?
If a bulb is overtightened, the problem isn’t high voltage that causes bulb burnout. The bulb may simply not work because the tab on the socket is bent too far. However, poor electrical contact can shorten the bulb’s lifespan.
Do Light Bulbs Keep Burning Out At Home? Call Express Electrical Services
Frequent light bulb issues can result from electrical problems such as faulty wiring. Therefore, an electrician should troubleshoot the issue if it persists. The licensed electricians at Express Electrical Services can make small repairs or help choose energy-efficient light bulbs. They also provide electrical installation services that include GFCI outlets, switches, wiring, appliances, and electrical panels. Contact us to learn more or request help.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”true” first=”false” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ spacing_left=”1.3333333333333333%”][fusion_widget_area name=”avada-blog-sidebar” title_size=”” title_color=”” background_color=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” /][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
