I've just replaced my 55 watt AH Supply CFL bulb after 10 months of a 7-8 hr photoperiod. Does this seem about right? On their website they mention replacing a bulb only three times during a 5 yr period of 12 hrs/day, but I've read elsewhere that some folks replace theirs after only 6-8 months. Is there a general rule of thumb here? Thanks.
CFL Bulb Life
- Thread starter Frank Lawler
- Start date
Hi Frank,
A lot of items effect the life of a lamp such as heat, cycles (on/off), water splatters, etc. Our club has a PAR meter and this is what I found:
The 12 month old CFL bulb I had in my fixture was providing a PAR value of 65 at the substrate.
When I replaced the bulb with a new one of the same type, the PAR value was 105 at the substrate.
To be truthful, I never noticed the gradual degradation of the bulb over the 12 months but I certainly could see the substantial increase in brightness when I put in the new bulb.
A lot of items effect the life of a lamp such as heat, cycles (on/off), water splatters, etc. Our club has a PAR meter and this is what I found:
The 12 month old CFL bulb I had in my fixture was providing a PAR value of 65 at the substrate.
When I replaced the bulb with a new one of the same type, the PAR value was 105 at the substrate.
To be truthful, I never noticed the gradual degradation of the bulb over the 12 months but I certainly could see the substantial increase in brightness when I put in the new bulb.