The biggest selling point for lamp-based projector models is their low acquisition cost compared to traditional televisions. Buyers can project their favorite content on big screens without breaking the bank.
One thing that most people overlook though is the maintenance cost. Projector bulbs tend to burn out after some time and replacing them is not free. You have to factor in that cost in your initial budget.
Now, the lifespan of projector bulbs varies from one model to the other based on certain factors. Read on to find out what they are and how long projector bulbs typically last.
How long do projector bulbs last?
Projector bulbs last for an average of 2,000 hours before they burn out. The lifespan depends on the projector bulb model, frequency of use, and ambient environmental conditions. Manufacturers tend to indicate the lifespan of their models but you should take those values with a grain of salt.
Factors that affect a projector’s lamp life
In this section, we’ll cover factors that influence how long a projector lamp will last.
Projector lamp model
Different types of projector lamps are used in modern-day projectors. The most popular are LED and Metal Halide. Each has its benefits and drawbacks.
Metal Halide lamps are brighter than LED lamps which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The upside is that they can withstand lots of ambient light, meaning that you won’t be limited to dark spaces. The downside is that they get hotter when the projector is in use causing them to wear down faster.
LED lamps, on other hand, aren’t as bright but they’ll last for a lot longer. They are rated for tens of thousands of hours which is significantly higher than the maximum rating of 3,000 hours that Metal Halide lamps typically have.
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Frequency of Use
Manufacturers state the lamp life of their projector models when bringing them to the market. But that is usually on the assumption of regular use.
The truth is that the frequency of use varies from user to user. Some will use their projectors for a few hours each week whereas others will use theirs for long periods every week.
Your lamp will last longer if you use it for a few hours per week and it may even last for as long as the stated lifespan. The opposite is also true. Take, for instance, a lamp rated for 20,000 hours. If say, you use it for 4 hours each day, that translates to about 13 years before a replacement is necessary. On the other hand, if you use it for 8 hours a day, that translates to around 7 years before the lamp burns out.
Environmental Conditions
The environment in which your projector is installed plays a big role in how long the bulb will last. If the surrounding area is dusty, that dust may find its way to your projector’s filters and block them or even clog the fans.
That means that the projector will overheat causing it shut down randomly to prevent damage to its parts and the wearing down of its bulb will occur faster than normal.
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Setting up the projector in a warm section with no ventilation will have the same effect when it comes to overheating and bulb life.
Regularly blowing off the dust from the filters and fans with an air duster will go a long way in improving the lifespan of your projector’s lamp. You can also make use of air purifiers to get rid of contaminants in the room in which your projector is installed.
Air Duster
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Projector Lamp life: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check the bulb life on my projector?
To check the bulb life on your projector, use the remote or control panel buttons to navigate to the menu and select information. If you own an old model, press and hold the power button for around 20 seconds and the bulb life will be displayed.
Final Words
If you own a lamp-based projector, you’ll need to change the bulb anywhere between six months to a couple of years. The replacement period depends on how often you use the projector, where you set it up, and the type of lamp it has.
Carrying out regular maintenance tasks like cleaning out dust from the filters and fans as well as using your projector in energy-saving mode will extend the lifespan. These will keep your projector from overheating, which is the biggest enemy of bulb life.