Reduce Projector Downtime with Bulb Life Saving Tips
Ever get an LCD projector at your site, and it won’t turn on? Many times the life of the bulb is directly linked to the people using it. I will admit I have done several of the things outlined below. But now that I have learned this, I will be more cognizant! Typically a bulb can last between 1200-1500 hours, although some of the newer projectors on low-light mode can extend the bulb lifetime up to 3000 hours. However, not doing the following can KILL a bulb in only a few hours and replacing them can take between $500-$800 out of your already tight budget. Here are some tips to help extend the life of the bulb:
- When setting up the projector, make sure there is about two feet between the projector’s fan and anything else. Not enough “breathing room” can overheat the unit and cause lamp failure.
- DO NOT UNPLUG the projector until the fan has ample time to cool the bulb. Rule of thumb is to wait five minutes after the projector has been turned off.
- Wait to move the projector until it is cool. Hot bulbs are verrrry fragile and can easily break—impatience can cost you big bucks and VPU down time.
- Don’t turn the projector on and off frequently. Doing so can “stress out” the filament.
- Don’t operate the projector in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
- Don’t operate in a smoky environment—smoke can damage the optics and void your warranty (although not strictly bulb related, a helpful tip nonetheless).
- Clean your projector's intake and exhaust filters every 3 - 6 months, depending on how frequently it is used. Clogged filters do not vent properly which can cause overheating and therefore lamp failure.
- Utilize "low lamp" or "economy mode" functions whenever possible. These options allow the lamp to run at a lower brightness, thus extending lamp life.
