Heat Lamps burning out fast

Hi Everyone!

I bought a new set of heat lamps bulbs for my chicks, but they both burned out in less than 3 weeks. Has anyone else had issues with heat lamp bulbs? These were from Runnings.

I used to keep reptiles and part of that, back in the day, required heat lamps.

Just some general troubleshooting questions, are you wearing gloves before changing the bulbs or at least washing your hands?

The oils on our skin can transfer when touching the bulbs bare handed and leave spots that will cause the bulb to fail prematurely. I believe it becomes some kind of focal spot and heats up more than the rest of the bulb? In any case, that ruined a few bulbs of mine before I figured it out. A pair of basic cotton gloves would be sufficient to provide a barrier between the oils of the skin and the bulb surface.

Hi Edward,

Mine often last for years.  As an alternative, have you considered an electric space heater turned on low?  I have used these with success. I normally suspend these horizontally and tape the tip switch if there is one.  Of course, experiment with it to be sure you are getting the right height and temp.

Edward Lake wrote:....Has anyone else had issues with heat lamp bulbs? These were from Runnings.

I bought a few from there this past winter and they have been fine.  Can't recall the brand, but they were the 'splatter resistant' variant.  Used them probably 5-7 nights per week for 2 of the coldest months.  Typically turned them off when temps got above 10 degrees F.

Do you have surges in your voltage?
I sold globes for many years, and some location had unstable power sully which caused the globes to burn out much faster if the voltage go too high.
It happens because of damage to the system or breakdowns.
From ;
https://hometeamelectric.com/power-surges-understanding-them-and-their-impact-on-light-bulbs/