While many homeowners are upgrading to newer, more efficient alternatives, you may be asking yourself how long incandescent lighting lasts.
In this article we’ll discuss the lifespan of incandescent lighting, sufficient replacements and how the experienced team at Erose Electrical can help.
Can You Still Get Incandescent Lighting?
While it still may be possible to get incandescent lighting fixtures in Australia, they could prove difficult to find. This is because regulations have changed over the years, with the Government phasing out incandescent lighting in 2009.
That said, approximately 45 percent of households still used incandescent lighting in their household as recently as 2020.
It is for this reason that it remains important for you to know how long you can expect such lighting to last.
Lifespan of Residential Incandescent Lighting
When it was the only viable option on the market, you’d be forgiven for thinking that incandescent lighting could last “forever”. But with a range of alternatives to choose from now, how long does this “old-school” lighting last?
These days, incandescent lighting lasts an average of approximately 10 years. After that, you can expect signs of deterioration.
Factors Influencing Incandescent Lighting Lifespan
There are a few factors that may influence how long incandescent lighting will last in your home. In this section, we’ll go through some of the most common:
Quality
Generally, if you invest in quality – for anything, but especially for lighting – it has the potential to last longer.
If you insist on opting for a no-name, cheap brand and quality that can’t be verified, you may be replacing it sooner than expected.
Type of Fixture
The type of lighting fixture you choose – ceiling fan with light versus standard light versus down lights etc – can play a part in how long you can expect them to last.
Usage
How often you use the lighting will obviously influence the lifespan of your incandescent lighting.
Lighting in a spare bedroom that’s only frequented once or twice a year may have an increased lifespan when compared to lighting installed in, say, high traffic areas like the kitchen, hallway and bathroom.
Physical vibration (from dropping or mishandling your lighting fixture) and its components will also impact how long you get out of the appliance.
Environment
Just as where in your home a light is placed will determine its average lifespan, so too will the physical environment.
Lighting installed in suburbia, for instance, may wear much more effectively than those installed in a home by the beach (where exposure to salt, water and rust is likely).
If you live in an area prone to frequent power surges you may also find that the lifespan of your lighting is shortened.
Temperature
Dimmer switches aren’t only useful in creating ambient lighting. They can also prolong the lifespan of your lighting.
Lights that frequently run at a higher temperature (or maximum brightness) will not last as long as those that run cooler.
Maintenance
How do you maintain your lighting? Is it frequently cleaned and regularly maintained by a licensed electrician?
If so, it’s likely it will last as long as its predicted lifespan – or potentially longer. But if that’s not the case, you may be up for a replacement sooner than anticipated.
What Do You Replace Incandescent Lighting With?
When it comes time to replace your incandescent lighting with a better model, we often suggest going with LED lighting. You can find out more about the benefits of LED lighting by reading this article.
How Erose Electrical Can Help
Think it’s time to replace your incandescent lighting? Get in touch with Erose Electrical.
Since 2015, we’ve built a reputation for reliability and professionalism. Our qualified and experienced electricians can handle a wide range of electrical services, from lighting replacements and LED installation to full electrical safety checks and more.
Contact the trusted team at Erose Electrical today to discuss upgrading your power points or arrange an obligation-free quote.
