Why do my bulbs seem to burn out quickly?
Light bulbs can burn out quickly for a variety of reasons. The first thing to do if a bulb seems to burn out quickly is check the fixture it's in. Light fixtures can wear out over time and develop wiring problems that blow out bulbs. If bulbs are repeatedly burning out quickly in the same light fixture, it's probably the fixture. (Of course, be sure you're following the fixture manufacturer's specifications for light bulb wattage, voltage, and bulb shape.)
The second thing to consider is the type of bulb you're buying. Some new bulb types have a longer bulb life than regular incandescent light bulbs you're used to. If you want bulbs that last longer, look for our GE Edison™ light bulbs that are guaranteed to last 2 years* or more — they provide a superior bright, crisp light, and make your home look its best. We also offer a line of energy-saving Soft White bulbs guaranteed to last 2-8 years* (depending on bulb type).
For more information about bulb life, read: How long should light bulbs last?
What should I do if I have a defective light bulb?
We're sorry if you've encountered a problem with one of our lighting products; we strive to deliver the highest quality products available. For the quickest and most effective service, please return the product to the retailer where it was purchased, who will be able to provide you with an immediate solution. If you have a problem that prevents you from returning the product to the retailer, please contact us.
Concerned about short light bulb life? Look for our GE Edison light bulbs — that are guaranteed to last 2 years* or more — they provide a superior bright, crisp light and make your home look its best.
For more information about bulb life, read: How long should light bulbs last?
How long should light bulbs last?
Light bulb manufacturers, including GE, adhere to a standard industry rating for light bulb life called "rated life." Check your light bulb package to see the rated hours of life for your particular bulb.
The rated life is a measure of the median time in hours that it takes for a light bulb to burn out. This is the point in laboratory testing at which half the test bulbs have burned out and half the test bulbs are still burning.
A 60-watt incandescent bulb may have a rated life of 1,000 hours. However, not all bulbs of this type will last exactly that long. That rated life is the median — the point in lab testing when 50% of the test samples have burned out and 50% are still burning.
Where can I find information about GE holiday lights?
If you think you have a defective holiday light set, please return it to the retailer where it was purchased for the quickest and most effective service.
GE holiday light sets and holiday replacement bulbs are available from Santa's Best, which has a licensing agreement with GE to make and distribute all GE holiday lights. From their web site, SantasBest.com, you can get instructions on replacing fuses and bulbs, get live online help from a customer service representative, send them e-mail, and more. You can also call Santa's Best toll-free at 1-877-398-7337 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. US Central Time. (Hours may be extended during the holiday season.)
* Based on 4 hours consumer use per day. (See package for limited warranty.)