Extending Projector Lamp Life

An early expiration to a projector lamp is usually caused by it burning at too hot a temperature over the course of its life. Below we have provided some useful tips on how you can extend your projector lamp's life.

Ventilation -

The most important factor determining projector lamp life is ventilation. To ensure your projector lamp lasts as long as possible, mount the projector in a place that has ample space for ventilation. Ideally the projector will be mounted two feet away, on all sides, from the wall, floor or ceiling. If the projector is mounted where there is little air flow, the projector lamp will most likely burn out early. Make sure the room the projector is in has some air flow if possible.

Vacuum and Blow Compressed Air -

Dust and dirt will gather on the projector over time and this build-up can cause air flow in and out of the projector to decrease. If there is less air flow, then the projector lamp will run at a hotter temperature and may burn out sooner. The easiest way to solve this problem is to vacuum the projector or blow it out with compressed air once every two weeks. Depending on your usage, you may need to complete this process more often.

Change or Clean Your Filter Regularly -

Projectors have detachable filters built into them to prevent dust getting inside the sensitive circuitry. However, filters can get too clogged with dust, decrease air flow in and out of the projector and cause the projector lamp to burn at a hotter temperature. On average, projector lamps that run at hotter temperatures burn out sooner. The filter on your projector is usually found behind a small rectangular panel measuring 0.5" by 6" long (1.27cm by 15.24cm) and can easily be changed or cleaned.

Do Not Turn Your Projector On and Off Rapidly -

Turning the projector on and off quickly can have devastating effects on projector lamp life. Projector lamps typically take about a minute before they produce a stable current. Special ballasts inside the lamp ignite it at a high voltage and run them a low voltage. If the projector is turned on and off rapidly, the ultra-high pressurized mercury vapor inside the ARC tube may become destabilized, which will cause the lamp to fail permanently.

Economy Mode Can Extend Your Lamp's Life -

Most modern projectors have a normal and economy mode. Economy mode will usually make the projector lamp emit a slightly lower brightness level and can therefore extend the lamp life.