Modern projectors can put high-quality images on almost any surface. These devices are great for home theatre environments, outdoor movie nights, or office settings. One common question that surrounds projectors is how long they last. Much like other electronics, there is a lifespan to these devices.
Projectors are built to last a long time, however, the major indicator of lifespan is going to be the bulb type. Halide bulbs will last around 3,000 hours. The most efficient LED bulbs will last up to 60,000 hours. Things like projector care and environment will play a factor in lifespan as well.
Projectors come in all shapes and sizes. From standard throw to ultra-short throw models, there is probably a projector to fit your home or office needs. But when it comes to longevity, how do you know how long your projector will last? If you want to learn more about this issue and find out how long you can expect your projector to be functioning.
Do Projectors Have a Lifespan?
Projectors definitely have a lifespan, because, when it comes to lifespan, almost every piece of electronic equipment has one. Projectors are no exception There are plenty of components inside these devices that can wear over time, but there are a few that are most likely to fail.
The first thing you might think of is the electronic control board. While it is true that these can fail, they most likely won’t be the first thing to go. These components can last a lot longer than you think. The only thing that can make the electronic control board fail is mishandling, environmental issues, or electrical surges. But, if you take care of your projector, it shouldn't be an issue.
The one variable that often is the indicator of projector lifespan is bulb type. Much like the bulbs in your home, these burn out. While most modern projectors can last for thousands of hours without needing replacement, if you use yours often, that might come quicker than you think.
But, if you replace the bulb, you can extend the life of your projector by quite a while. This is easier said than done, though. Another thing to consider is since bulbs last so long, by the time they wear out, you might be ready for a replacement, however, we've explained elsewhere on the site that it's not a big deal because they're generally inexpensive to maintain.
With that said, video standards are constantly changing, and if you want to keep up, you need to replace your equipment every few years or so. If your projector still only takes a VGA input, it might be time for an upgrade regardless of whether or not you’ve got a replacement bulb.
Typical Projector Lamp Life
Let’s take a quick look at average projector lifespans. It is worth noting that the deciding factor between projectors is going to be bulb type. If you want to source a projector that will last a long time, look at bulb type over anything else. Here are some common bulb types and their average lifespan:
- Standard projector lamp — A standard bulb will use a metal arc or metal halide lamp with ultra-high pressure mercury. These specialty bulbs come in several lifespan ranges from 1,000 to over 5,000 hours.
- LED bulb — LED bulbs will last quite a long time relative to traditional halide bulbs. Some LED bulbs will boast a lifespan of around 60,000 hours. Most projector LED bulbs are not replaceable by consumers.
- LASER bulb — LASER-based projectors will have a lifespan of around 20,000 hours. Unfortunately, laser projector bulbs can not be replaced by a consumer.
As you can see, there is quite a disparity in how long a bulb will last. Most projectors these days will feature either LED or LASER technology. Halide-based systems still exist and are often cheaper to purchase than other bulb-type projectors.
Keep in mind that this cost reduction reflects the lifespan. If you want your projector to make it through the long haul, consider purchasing an LED projector. While you can’t control the effect of time on your projector, there are some variables you can control. Managing them will help you get the most out of your projector.
Checking the Usage Time
Most projectors will have an option in the setting to check usage time. This can be a great indicator of bulb life as well. Sometimes this will be called usage time or bulb usage. Once you have found the option in your settings, all you need to do is a little math.
Most projectors will also provide information on bulb life somewhere in the user’s manual or on the packaging. With this information, all you need to do is subtract the usage time from this number. This number will be the number of hours you have left in your bulb. It can good to keep track of this if you are using your projector often. It will ensure that if the time comes to replace the bulb, it won’t be a surprise.
How to Extend the Life of Your Projector
The best way to get the full lifespan out of your projector is to take care of it. What does this entail? Well, in most cases, you’re probably doing a good job. As we've explained in our guide all about projector care and longevity, Unless you are running your projector 24/7 and knocking it about every chance you get, you're probably meeting the minimum requirements for care.
But to help you out, we're going to outline some tips to help extend the lifespan of your projector. The first thing you want to do is make sure you are protecting your projector when you are transporting it. This is especially important if you use your projector for office meetings and move it from place to place.
A padded carrying case will do fine for this. The next thing you’ll want to do is make sure everything is clean and free of dust. Pay close attention to the fan module on your projector, as this is where the most dust will collect. When cleaning the lens, always make sure you utilize the proper cleaning tools.
If you use a rough cloth or nasty chemical, it could scratch or damage the lens. Heat is another factor that wears down electronics. If you are using a halide lamp, you need to be careful of heat. Make sure your projector is in an open-air environment with plenty of ventilation.
If you can, place a fan near your projector. This will ensure all the components are getting the air they need to stay cool. Finally, make sure you are letting your projector cool down completely after each use. This will ensure everything is ready to be packed up safely.
