Why Do My Lightbulbs Keep Burning Out?

Why Do My Lightbulbs Keep Burning Out?

Lightbulbs are something that have become a vital part of our day to day life. The convenience of them is great, but what if they’re constantly burning out? You find yourself running to the store to replace the bulbs only to have to replace them again just a few weeks later! Lightbulbs should last roughly 4 months, but if you notice yours burning out in a fraction of the time, the bulbs themselves probably aren’t to blame.

Overheating

Many lightbulbs burn out when they overheat. Typically, this is caused by one of two things. Either the bulb is the wrong wattage for the fixture or the fixture isn’t properly insulated. The light fixture will indicate what wattage bulb it requires and following those guidelines when purchasing replacement bulbs is crucial. If you know for sure you’re purchasing the correct wattage, inspect the fixture and the installation surrounding it. Recessed lighting fixtures are especially prone to overheating as the installation in the ceiling will trap the heat from the bulb. If you notice heat being held in the installation, a professional may be needed to come to address the problem.

Moving Bulbs

Lightbulbs that are in fixtures with a ceiling fan, garage door, or other harsh movements on a regular basis are prone to burning out. The shaking from the movement around the bulb could be enough to break the filament in the bulb causing it to burn out. To avoid this pesky problem, purchase LED bulbs or other bulbs advertised to withstand rough use.

Electrical Issues

If you notice a problem of bulbs burning out throughout your home, it could be a sign of a more serious issue. You should hire an electrician to come in and inspect the wiring surrounding the lighting fixtures to check for possible causes. They may find that the voltage in your home is too high, causing the bulbs to break. Another common cause of bulbs burning out is an improper connection within the fixture. If you can’t determine the cause of the burnt-out bulbs yourself, it’s best to hire a professional. Leaving a possible electrical issue unchecked could leave you at risk of an electrical fire throughout your home. If you suspect an issue you should remove the bulb and keep the switch for the light turned off until a professional can come to determine the cause of the problem.

Contact Cardoso Electrical

If you’re having any sort of issues with your lightbulbs or electrical system, contact the experts at Cardoso! We’re available 24/7 for emergency services. Fill out an online contact form or give us a call today at (781) 246-7700.