Like many bulbs, the Projector lamp is a delicate object albeit much more expensive than your average household bulb so it is important to ensure your lamps last as long as possible. It is surprising to see how some places only need a new projector lamp every few years and others require them every few months. Here is some advice to help ensure your projector lamps last as long as possible:
Let the projector cool
This is probably the main reason why projector bulbs may need replacing more often when people do not allow the project lamp to cool before they move the projector or switch it back on again. Many projectors power down on their own so do not move the projector whilst in this mode. If you have an older projector model, you might have an on/off switch for the bulb and a separate on/off switch for the machine. In this case, switch the projector off first and once that has powered down, then switch the projector off.
Similarly, do not move, shake or bump the projector whilst the projector is still switched on. They are very sensitive and movement could cause the projector to blow or shorten its life.
Overheating
If the projector bulb is overheating, then it will burn out earlier than it should. The main reason for overheating is when users do not clean the projector filter regularly. It should be cleaned once every three months or so with a can of compressed air but the frequency should be increased to monthly if the projector is in a dusty environment. Another sure way to overheat your projector bulb is to block the fan exhaust so take note where the fan is on your projector and make sure it has a minimum of two or three feet of room to breathe.
Never touch the lamp because your fingers have natural oil on them and this oil can also cause the projector lamp to overheat and burn out prematurely. Only touch the metal housing.
Save projector lamp hours
Most modern projectors nowadays have what is called an economy or eco-mode. This uses less brightness from the projector bulb meaning the projector lamp will last much longer so don't use more brightness than you need.
Keep the projector at room temperature
Projector lamp sales always increase in the spring or after summer holidays. The main reason for this is that people leave their projector in the cold over winter or even in the car for a day or two. The quick change in temperature will cause a projector lamp to blow if you switch a cold projector on so let it warm to room temperature first. Never leave the projector in the car or in extreme heat because the projector lamp will overheat and burn.
Following these tips should give you months of extra use from your projector bulb. This is by no means an exhaustive list of tips to help make sure your bulbs last as long as possible but it does include the main reasons that a projector lamp may have a shortened life.

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