Why Are Your Light Bulbs Burning Out So Quickly?
Do you feel like you’re constantly changing your light bulbs? If your bulbs are burning out too quickly, here are some possible reasons and some ways to correct the problem.
Bad Vibrations
Fixtures that vibrate can cause bulbs to burn out. The vibration shakes the bulb’s filament, which wears it down. A bulb with a loose or worn-out filament will burn out quickly. Many fixtures vibrate, including ceiling fans, garage door openers, and some older refrigerators. Vibrations can also come from living close to an airport, train station, or truck route.
How to fix it: If you’re running into this problem with your ceiling fan, check to make sure the fan is fully tightened. Regular maintenance of a ceiling fan will help it turn more smoothly. If the problem persists or it’s in another appliance, try so-called rough service bulbs. They have thicker filaments that are designed to stand up to shaking.
Compact Fluorescents
Compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs are an energy-saving alternative to incandescent bulbs, but they have a bad habit of burning out quickly.
How to fix it: CLF bulbs are still a good choice, but they don’t last as long as LED bulbs. They also are not meant to be turned on and off frequently. Use them for rooms where you keep the lights on for several hours. To be sure you’re getting bulbs meant to last, look for the Energy Star label.
Loose Socket
If a bulb isn’t screwed into a socket, it will flicker on and off. It may just stop turning on suddenly.
How to fix it: This is the easiest fix on our list. Just tighten the bulb in the socket.
Loose Wire Connection
Loose wire connections can cause problems with all your lighting fixtures. If there is a loose connection where the wires meet the light fixture, your bulbs will flicker on and off constantly. Loose wires increase the amount of heat that hits the filament, and this can cause it to burn out or stop working. If loose wires are a problem, you’ll have bulbs that go out constantly.
How to fix it: Ask an electrician to check your wiring connections. The electrician may need to replace the wires or the receptacles.
Corroded Sockets
Sockets that are corroded with rust, dirt, and other junk can cause bulbs to burn out. This is especially true of outdoor bulbs. The sockets of outdoor fixtures can quickly get grimy, and this leads to loose sockets that can kill any bulb.
How to fix it: Turn off the power to the fixture, and try using steel wool to get the corrosion off the sockets. A clean socket will work better and help your outside bulb last longer. If the problem persists, you may have to replace the fixture.
Mismatched Dimmer Switches
If the light that keeps going out is connected to a dimmer switch, you might be using an old dimmer. Old dimmers are designed for use with standard bulbs. Using them with your new CFL or LED bulbs will damage the circuitry of your new bulbs. This causes them to burn out.
How to fix it: Ask an electrician to replace your old dimmer switches with new ones that are compatible with CFL and LED bulbs.
Short Circuit
A short circuit can cause lights and other fixtures to stop working. During a short circuit, the flow of current through the wiring suddenly increases. This causes the circuit breaker to trip or the fuse to blow. When that happens, all the electricity stops flowing. Many things can cause a short circuit, including a defective light socket, damaged wiring, or worn-out plugs.
How to fix it: If defective wiring is the problem, contact an electrician. You may need to repair or replace the circuit breaker. Don’t attempt to fix this on your own. If you’re dealing with defective light sockets or plugs, have them replaced.
Count on SESCOS for All Your Electrical Needs
Whether you have damaged wiring, vibrating fixtures, or any other electrical problem, count on SESCOS. We offer expert help for all your electrical needs.