Top 10 Bathroom Improvements

Q. My husband installed recessed lighting in the kitchen. The problem is the recessed light bulbs keep going out after a couple of months of use. Can anyone tell me what might be causing this problem?

A. There are a number of things that might be the cause:
(1) It's really less frequently than every couple of months, but it seems like it to you. I don't mean to insult you, but many people's gut feeling is off here.
(2) Excessive vibration can kill bulbs. Maybe your kids' room is above this room?
(3) Excessive heat can kill bulbs, too. One cause of excessive heat is over-wattage bulbs. Many recessed cans are limited to a maximum of 75-watt bulbs, but many people put 100-watt bulbs in them. Another cause of excessive heat is installing the wrong fixture. If you installed a non-IC can in a ceiling with insulation, the heat trapped by the insulation may be killing the bulbs.
(4) Excessive voltage or voltage spikes. This can be caused by a poor quality electrical supply, or by a loose connection of a neutral wire. If you have a voltmeter, you may be able to measure voltage. Call your power company and ask them to check. This is normally a free service.