Some people have reported that the compact fluorescent lamps/lightbulbs (CFLs) used in their homes do not last as long as advertised. If a CFL burns out earlier than it should, it may be a faulty bulb or the wrong type of bulb for the situation.
CFLs can be affected by excessive heat, excessive vibration, fluctuations in power, improper contact of the bulb base to the fixture, enclosures, incorrect use with dimmers and sensors, appropriate air temperatures for exterior use, and whether the bulb is for a downward or an upward position.
Excessive heat buildup in the fixture (especially in enclosed fixtures), lack of good contact of the bulb base to the fixture, or excessive vibration such as in an overhead fan or near a door should be considered. Some experts suspect it could also be fluctuations in voltage or faulty wiring.
If you experience problems, check to be sure you are using the correct type of CFL. The approved uses are on the package and some information is on the bulb itself. Read the fine print on the labels. Check that you are using the correct bulb for the type of fixture, the temperature, and conditions of use. For example, a bulb not rated for exterior use may perform poorly. Some bulbs are meant to be used in only downward or upward facing fixtures. Other CFLs are for use in enclosed or recessed, three-way and/or outdoor fixtures, or for use with a dimmer, timer or photoelectric eye. Also consider the number of hours the bulb burns to the rated expected hours of lifespan for the bulb. Frequent switching off and on can affect the life of the bulb. The recommendation is to leave the bulb on if you are leaving the room for a short time, or for less than 15 minutes.
Look for the ENERGY STAR® logo when purchasing a CFL. Manufacturers producing ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs offer at least a 2-year limited warranty covering manufacturer defects for residential applications. Save your receipts to document the date of purchase in order to take advantage of the limited warranty. Write the date of purchase on the container or carefully on the bulb base itself and keep receipts.
If the problem continues after correcting any issues in selection for the fixture and conditions, discuss the problems you may be having with a lighting professional, electrician, and with the manufacturer or retailer.
The ENERGY STAR program monitors all CFL early failures. E-mail ENERGY STAR at cfl@energystar.gov to report repeated early failures. Include the manufacturer’s name and product model number.
