Make sure:
Bulb wattage doesn’t exceed fixture rating
4. Observe Voltage Clues
Warning signs include:
Lights brightening unexpectedly
Flickering when appliances turn on
Electronics behaving oddly
If you see these, call the utility company and describe a possible voltage issue.
11. When This Is an Emergency
Call for immediate help if you notice:
Burning smells from fixtures or outlets
Scorch marks around sockets
Appliances failing along with bulbs
These are not “annoying inconvenience” problems. They’re safety issues.
12. Why Electricians Are Booked (And What That Tells You)
Electricians aren’t booked because bulbs are failing.
They’re booked because December exposes electrical weaknesses:
Cold weather
High demand
Aging infrastructure
Your bulbs are often the first warning sign, not the problem itself.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Canary in the Coal Mine
Repeated bulb burnout is rarely random. It’s your home telling you something is off—usually voltage, heat, or connection related.
The good news?
Most causes are fixable once identified.
The bad news?
Ignoring the signs can lead to damaged electronics, higher energy bills, or safety hazards.
Until an electrician is available:
Use high-quality bulbs
Avoid overloading dimmers
Pay attention to brightness changes
Call your utility company if voltage seems suspect
Light bulbs don’t just burn out—they report problems.
And when several report at once, it’s worth listening.