Reduced average life of lightbulbs

[Dippy]

I moved into my current house about 6 months ago. When I arrived and met my neighbours, they all told me that we'd have to increase our lightbulb budget because they don't last long around here. No-one gave a reason why so I thought they were trying to wind me up.

Well after 6 months it is clear that they weren't! There is no doubt about it, the mains voltage filament bulbs don't last long in this new house (compared to our previous one).

What could be making this happen?

I have checked the supply voltage and it is within tolerance. However we do tend to get more power cuts than where we lived before, and sometimes we get a series of "mini-cuts" where the supply drops for about a second. Could this be the problem?

On a related subject, I have some refurbishment to do on the house and want to bring the lighting into the 21st century. What good stuff should I be looking at? Links would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Spark123]

When you say you checked your voltage this only stands true for that instance in time. To to it properly you need to record the voltage over a period of time, the supply voltage can change i.e. when all the economy 7s in the country are switching on/off. Other things which can affect lamp life include the lamps ability to dissipate heat and any vibration.

 

[dingbat]

...I have some refurbishment to do on the house and want to bring the lighting into the 21st century. What good stuff should I be looking at?

Whatever you do, don't include halogen downlights in your plan.

 

[JohnD]

Lay in a good stock of CFLs (Energy Saving Bulbs). They are much more tolerant of supply fluctuations.

Also they last longer and use much less electricity.

 

[Dippy]

Thanks for the replies. What's wrong with halogens?

 

[JohnD]

Downlighters are horrible. They will shortly be viewed in the same way as stone cladding, pink shag-pile carpet, and plastic front doors.

 

[sm1thson]

Thanks for the replies. What's wrong with halogens?

10_reasons_why_not_to_install_downlights

 

[JohnD]

10 reasons?

Who can't count?