What's up with my energy-saving light bulbs?

Question

they're supposed to last 6-8 years or something, but mine barely last 6 months before they have burned out, can anyone tell me what's wrong? they're the normal fluorescent tube ones, i just thought that they were meant to last longer than this.

thanks x

Answer 1

Have your current in the house checked.

I've used these for over six years and only replaced one.

I have 26 in my home.

Answer 2

The tubes don't last as long as the bulb ones, but they should last at least a couple of years.  You are probably having issues with current in your home...maybe fluctuations in your current.

Answer 3

Go for bulbs with a decent name behid them, the extra cost should pay off with the extra life.

Answer 4

They generally are supposed to last quite long, but as with any product that becomes popular, less expensive versions will come onto the market that aren't as high in quality.

The company I used to work for did a study of the new lightbulbs, and a lot of the no-name brands don't meet their claims.  

If there's an IKEA near you buy them there - they seem to be of great quality.  We haven't had an IKEA bulb burn out in years...

Answer 5

I've had the same thing happen to me.  I dunno why.

My parents' house is 1 yr. old and they had one burn out too.

Answer 6

take them back and complain....or write to the company and tell them you want them replaced...they are supposed to last much longer than 6 months.

Answer 7

As stated, need to have current checked and need to make sure bulbs are compatible with the transformer unit.  If the bulb is a higher wattage than the transformer will support, it will cause failure.