Light Bulbs Keep Burning Out One After Another and Electricians Are Booked Through New Year. What’s Going On?

If you’ve noticed your light bulbs burning out faster than usual, you’re not alone. It seems like no matter what brand you choose—LED, incandescent, or compact fluorescent—there’s always one bulb failing right after another. Adding to the frustration, finding an electrician during the busy holiday season is nearly impossible, with many booked solid through New Year.

But why is this happening, and what can you do to stop the cycle of constant bulb replacement? In this post, we’ll dive deep into the causes of frequent bulb burnouts, the science behind it, and practical solutions to protect your home’s lighting.

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1. Understanding the Basics: Why Light Bulbs Burn Out

Before we can solve the problem, we need to understand why light bulbs fail. Here are the main reasons:

a) Voltage Fluctuations

One of the most common causes of frequent bulb burnouts is unstable voltage. Electrical systems in homes are designed for a certain voltage (usually 120V in the U.S. or 220-240V in many other countries). When voltage spikes occur—due to heavy appliances turning on or off, faulty wiring, or issues from the power grid—it can cause a bulb to burn out quickly.

Tip: Using surge protectors or voltage stabilizers can help protect your bulbs.

b) Poor Quality Bulbs

Not all light bulbs are created equal. Cheaper bulbs may have thinner filaments, lower-quality components, or poor heat resistance. These factors can cause them to fail sooner than expected.

Tip: Invest in well-reviewed, high-quality bulbs from reputable brands. They might cost more upfront, but they save you money in the long run.

c) Frequent Switching

Every time you turn a bulb on or off, especially incandescent or halogen types, it creates a small surge that shortens the bulb’s lifespan. Homes with motion sensors or lights that are frequently turned on and off may experience faster burnout.

Tip: Consider switching to LED bulbs, which are far more resilient to frequent switching.

d) Poor Fixture or Socket Contact

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the bulb but the socket or fixture itself. Loose connections can cause arcing, which damages the bulb and can even create a fire hazard.

Tip: Inspect sockets for corrosion or looseness, and avoid forcing bulbs into tight or incompatible fittings.

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2. Seasonal and Environmental Factors

Believe it or not, the time of year and your home environment can also play a role in bulb burnout:

a) Cold Weather

During winter, lower temperatures can affect the performance of incandescent and CFL bulbs. Filaments can become brittle, and the initial surge when turning on the light can be enough to make them fail.

b) High Humidity

Moisture in fixtures or poorly insulated areas can damage bulbs and lead to corrosion, especially in outdoor lighting.

c) Power Grid Issues During Holidays

Around the holidays, neighborhoods often see a surge in electricity usage due to decorative lights, heaters, and appliances. These spikes and drops in voltage can stress your home’s electrical system.