 | Mike Goebel
has been involved in the construction and home improvement industry for more than 40 years and is currently the Senior Vice President of the Home Center Division at Star Lumber & Supply Co. Inc. You may contact Mike by e-mail at mgoebel@starlumber.com or by phone at (316) 942-2221. |
Home Improvement
2002-04-01 16:17:00
When bulbs burn out
Question: I am having problems with light bulbs burning out in a matter of weeks in various parts of my home. I have had the electric company and an electrician check out our power and nothing seems to be wrong, but the bulbs continue to turn out. What could be causing this?
Answer: You've asked a tough question. The electric company and an electrician have already baled on you. I have a couple of guesses. The first one is that you do have voltage spikes but they do not occur when the electric company or your electrician are at your home. There are special instruments made for monitoring voltage and recording any abnormalities but they are expensive, not everyone has them and those that do are reluctant to leave them at anyone's house. If the bulbs are burning out in some parts of your house but not in others that tells me that the problem is not in the service to your home.My other guess is that in some parts of your home, the lights receive more vibration than others. For example the basement ceiling or any ceiling where people walk above. In areas like this or in areas where there are severe temperature changes such as a garage, we recommend "rough service" bulbs.Sometimes using too high wattage bulbs in a confined area can cause the bulbs to get too hot. Besides being dangerous this excess heat can shorten the life of the bulb.You also might want to try fluorescent bulbs. They cost more but use less electricity and last a lot longer. They also do not have any filament to burn out. Extremely cold environments can cause some fluorescent bulbs to not work well.Good luck on finding a solution to your problem. When you do I'd like to hear what is was.
