Lots of recessed can lights in my basement and therefore it seems like I’m going through light bulbs like crazy.
I’ve tried everything from the “expensive” designer type flood bulbs to the cheap standard 60-watt bulbs, but nothing really lasts. I checked the voltage on several and everything seems good for full voltage.
I’ve considered compact fluorscents, but I do occasionally want to dim the lights. I’m also not crazy about the cost of compact fluorscents, but I may have to bite the bullet.
Anybody have any thoughts on this matter?
Thanks!
Patrick
Edited 6/25/2007 2:22 pm ET by Corrib
Replies
Heat and vibration are the most common problems. Vibration in basement can lights can be a problem if the joist are a little on the light side.
For heat check that the bulbs are ones that are approved for that can and trim. There is a label on the inside of the cans.
Not only the wattage, but also the style.
And make sure that the center tab in the socket is not compacted down. If it only makes light contact you can get heating in that area that will kill the bulb.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Well, the previous posters nabbed all of my first ideas.
Leaves only the though of trying some of the minifloods for track fixtures. Since the lamps are physically smaller, you might get a bit more air circulation around them.
You could also try coming down in wattage, too. Like using the 40 & 25W minifloods--now that will "dim" your lights a bit, but it's generally easier to add a lamp for task lighting than to go rummage in the closet for an not-burned-out lamp, too <g>
if it is any comfort - I am going through them too -- four bucks a pop -- 2-3 here and then again 3-4 and so on -- have not really kept track of which ones are going just thought it may have been a box that got dropped -- vibration should not be an issue as they are securely clipped to the drywall ceiling and we do not use the room much -- if you find a brand that seems to last - pls let us know
Well, for those you don't dim, CFLs are only 2-3x the cost of regular lightbulbs, if you buy cheapie multi packs at HD (which I find superior to the 1x name brand packages).
Cans will tend to reduce incandescent bulb life due to higher temperature.
> Cans will tend to reduce incandescent bulb life due to higher temperature.
Yes, and even more so with CFL's. Though CFL's run a lot cooler, they're disproportionately more susceptible to heat damage.
-- J.S.
Yes, and even more so with CFL's. Though CFL's run a lot cooler, they're disproportionately more susceptible to heat damage.
It depends somewhat on what lens/covers he is using on the cans. If they're sealed, then maybe the CFL's won't like the heat. But if they're open reflectors, the CFL should be able to handle it.jt8
"When I was a young man I vowed never to marry until I found the ideal woman. Well, I found her but, alas, she was waiting for the ideal man." -- Alain
I've had premature failures in cans, even with reflector flood CFL's.
-- J.S.
Good responses so far. You also might try writing the date on the neck or base of the bulb when you put in a new one with a sharpy. That may give you an idea if it's only a few specific cans or the whole room.
You may want to try rough service lamps. They have a heavier filament that can take vibration and slightly higher voltage.
If you're only going through lots of bulbs in the cans, I would check the wattage label. Make sure you're not putting a 100w in a fixture designed for 60w. Some have different wattages based on whether there is insulation against them or not.
[edit to add] Do you have a problem with the lights flickering?
jt8
"When I was a young man I vowed never to marry until I found the ideal woman. Well, I found her but, alas, she was waiting for the ideal man." -- Alain
Edited 6/27/2007 5:04 pm by JohnT8