The Truth About Lamp Life: Are You Changing Them Too Soon—or Too Late?

By Kristin Jackson

As a salon owner, your tanning beds are the heart of your UV business—and the lamps inside them are what deliver the glow your clients come for. But how do you know when it’s really time to change those lamps? Too soon, and you’re throwing away money. Too late, and you’re delivering poor results that could cost you repeat business.

Let’s break down the facts about lamp life, how to recognize signs of decline, and how to keep both your clients and your bottom line glowing.

What Is Lamp Life, Really?

Lamp life refers to how long a tanning lamp can effectively produce the UV output needed for a quality tan. Most lamps are rated for 500 to 1,000 hours, depending on the type and manufacturer. But here’s the catch: "lamp life" doesn't mean “peak performance life.”

Many lamps begin to lose intensity after 70–80% of their rated lifespan. That means even if a lamp hasn’t technically burned out, it could already be delivering weaker, uneven tans—and your clients will notice.

Signs It’s Time to Change Your Lamps

If you’re not logging lamp hours or tracking performance, you might be flying blind. Here are some red flags to watch for:

❌ Clients say they’re not getting as dark as usual
❌ Tans are taking longer to develop
❌ Color is uneven or inconsistent between beds
❌ Lamps look dim or flicker
❌ You’re past 70–80% of the manufacturer’s rated hours

If even one of these is happening, it’s time to test or replace those lamps.

Why Waiting Too Long Hurts Your Business

Delaying lamp changes to “get your money’s worth” can backfire. Here’s why:

Poor Results = Lost Clients
Tanners who don’t see results stop coming back. Period.
Inconsistent Output = Inconsistent Experience
If one bed tans better than another, you lose credibility—and control.
Staff Confusion = Missed Upsells
It's hard for your team to confidently recommend sessions or upgrades when lamp performance is unpredictable.

Are You Changing Them Too Soon?

On the flip side, some salons change lamps too early, out of fear of negative reviews or misunderstandings about output.

Pro tip: Use a UV meter to track actual performance. This tool tells you when your lamps are truly declining—not just when the clock hits a certain number.

If your lamps are still putting out strong UV levels at 700 hours, there’s no need to toss them—yet.

Best Practices for Managing Lamp Life

Want to take the guesswork out of lamp changes? Here's how:

Track Lamp Hours
Most beds have built-in timers. Record start dates and usage for each unit.
Use a UV Meter
Measure performance monthly and note any decline in output.
Educate Your Staff
Train your team to recognize client feedback as early warning signs.
Replace in Batches
If one bed’s ready, others probably aren’t far behind. Plan for staggered changes to avoid big surprises.
Log Results
Keep a log of performance, feedback, and replacements. You’ll spot trends and avoid over- or under-maintaining.

Bonus: Partner with a Distributor Who Knows Their Lamps

At Heartland, our tech team and sales reps are trained to help you:

Pick the right lamps for your beds and client base
Maximize performance and lifespan
Create lamp replacement schedules that work with your budget

The Bottom Line?

Changing your lamps too soon wastes money. Waiting too long hurts your reputation. But when you track performance, listen to feedback, and understand the life cycle of your lamps—you stay in control.

Better results. Happier clients. Stronger profits. That’s the power of smart maintenance.