Why is it that light bulbs burn so fast in my apartment?

Question

I have to change light bulbs in my CO-OP apartment every two-three weeks!!! I have even brought expensive, brand name types with only "slightly better" results..

I have lived here two years and I've replaced every single bulb @ least three times (including 10 interior flood lights @ $8 each!)

Answer 1

USA Function's answer is excellent, and if you switch to compact fluoescent lamps you will save money on your electric bill. If you stay with incandescent lamps, there are several different types, for several different problems. You will find the different types sold at an electrical supply store, not a Home Depot.

First, your building might be near a transformer, and you might be getting higher than 115 volts. Most regular lamps are rated for 115 or 120 volts. The higher the voltage, the faster they burn out. If your voltage exceeds the 120, go to the store and buy lamps rated for 130 volts. If vibration is the problem, let's say due to extermely heavy truck traffic all day right next to your building, then get the "vibration service" lamps. If you have neighbors who live above you, and they constantly jump on the floor, you need "rough service" lamps. There are different lamps for different situations. Figure out which situation is yours, and you will know what lamp to get. Compact fluorescent is the best bet.

Answer 2

There are 3 things that burn a bulb quicker then normal.
1 moisture
2 vibration
3 voltage

1 If you have water you would know it
2 Vibration Who if anyone lives above you. Kids jumping or people coming down the stairs cause enough vibration to burn a bulb out.
3 Voltage If your voltage is high ( this can happen ) Your power company would need to be called to check it out. They can put a voltage detector with a paper read out . This would show the avg. voltage plus any spikes.

Rough service bulbs are a good choice in this situation, if you burn those out to quick then you do have a problem.
One more thing the normal light bulb is good for only so many hours if you leave them on for a night light very often they will not last more then 3 or 4 months

Answer 3

The voltage surge issue can be a problem and should be checked using a multi-meter. If you are comfortable and handy you can do the check yourself. if not ask a electrician or service type to do it for you. if found have a LICENSED electrician correct it for you as it will entail work in the sub panels and should not be attempted by hobbyists due to the potential dangers and inconveniences of death.

While a regular (incandescent) light bulb uses heat to produce light, and is susceptible to vibrations causing filament failure a fluorescent bulb creates light using an entirely different method that is far more energy-efficient — in fact, 4-6 times more efficient. The built in ballast is a bit more forgiving and the bulbs typically have a life expectancy nearly 10 times that of incandescants. This means that you can buy a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb that produces the same amount of light as a 60-watt regular incandescent bulb. It also means that the bulb will last , sometimes up to 10,000 hours versus the 1000 of a normal incandescant.

Don't worry about the math, though — this should make it easy for you to figure out which compact fluorescent bulb to buy by displaying the equivalent regular watts you're used to prominently on the package. Just look for the wattage you would normally buy in a regular bulb.

In case you're curious, here are the watts needed by regular incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light.

60 watts incandescent = 15 watts compact fluorescent
75 watts incandescent = 20 watts compact fluorescent
100 incandescent = 26-29 watts compact fluorescent
150 incandescent = 38-42 watts compact fluorescent
250-300 incandescent = 55 watts compact fluorescent

Answer 4

I've had this problem twice. The latest time I got a couple of the wee bulb-saver gadgets and put them into the two sockets that were worst on bulb gobbling. That took care of it.

The other time it had been someone switching burnt-out bulbs for my new ones while I was "out". Could someone be gas-lighting you?

If you have a safe way to check the voltage, do it. If it's off, make your complaint in writing to building management and maintenance. If nothing's changed within a month, ask the Fire Department if you should be worried/concerned.

If the voltage isn't "off", discreetly mark the bases of the new light bulbs and note whether or not the ones that burn out afterwards are, indeed, your own marked bulbs.

Answer 5

You may have vibration in your apartment. Not so bad that you feel it, but there. This can cause bulbs to burn out quicker. Try buying a "heavy service" bulb. These are the type used in construction lighting. They are made to withstand bumping and abuse. By trying one bulb in the fixture that burns bulbs the fastest, you will know if this is the problem.

Answer 6

you kneed to find a vendor, that carries " rough service" bulbs.
Most light bulb, only have two little posts in side the bulb, that hang onto the filiment. when the light it lit, the filiment gets hot, and wiggles around, due to vibrations that travel through the structure. those bulbs blow easily.

Rough service bukbs, have a lot of those small tosts inside, that keep the filiment still and will not let it move, thus, your light bulb, lasts a whole lot longer.

or convert to and use, Flouresent lights

Answer 7

You are getting voltage spikes. Something is wrong. Move before the place burns down.

Answer 8

Because they are made to fail. Otherwise they could not profit. Best thing to do is just buy the cheapest bulbs and keep on doin wht your doin.

Answer 9

Its possible that u r getting excess voltage. Better check it out before ur burn our other appliances

Answer 10

check with your electric company your voltage is too high comming in from street