Question: A reader asked where he could get LED bulbs that fit in the lighted house number plate. We didnāt know so we asked our readers and one responded.
Answer: The bulbs are standard plug type automotive 5W ādash- boardā incandescent: type 194, W5W, 158 or T10, and some other less common numbers. The address plate and some under counter lighting use the same bulbs.
LED bulbs are typically around 1W in the same style types. Ebay or Amazon have them, but 90% are counterfeit so you have to be careful (see Phillips website). I only buy Sanyo, Philips-Osram or Sylvania, typically around 50 cents in 10-quantity each for the ones with the sealed top for use outdoors. Seal is molded silicone rubber, which also serves as a light diffuser, LED bulbs can be a little harsh. If you receive in a bulk pack even though you ordered a brand, they are probably counterfeit. None of the major brands supply to distribution in bulk anymore due to counterfeiting.
The counterfeits usually have out of spec bases so you have to be careful so you do not damage the receptacle you put them into.
Color can go from 2000-10000 Kelvin. 5000K is daylight which I have for all my outside lights (13058 Farm Hill) including the address plate.
Contrary to advertising, LED is about as efficient as CFL, both are 5-6 times more efficient than Halogen or Incandescent.
Additional comments: These bulbs can be ordered from Amazon, and if you are a Prime member, they are delivered free the next day. I ordered some and am very pleased with the result. The light is more uniform than the original incandescent bulbs and it is a little brighter. It makes the number plate look like new. They are a little harder to plug into the socket than the old bulbs and even they were not easy. If you have poor finger strength you will need to get a neighbor to help you.
Heads-up: One of our Woodchucks reported a failure of their water heater. The failure was unusual in two regards. First, the water heater was only eight years old. Second it dumped the entire contents of water and then an additional 13,000 gallons. They were not home at the time, so the water ran for many hours. The flood did considerable damage to the house, especially to the wood floors.
The age of the water heater when the failure occurred was unusual because water heaters generally last 10-12 years. The mode of failure was unusual because water heaters usually have a slow drip for a few weeks before they dump enough water to do any serious damage.
Let this be a fair warning to you that if your water heater is ten years old or more, you should consider replacing it, or if you will be out of the house for a day or more turn off the water to the house.
When you replace the water heater if the expansion tank is the same age as the water heater, replace it at the same time.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
