Why Are My Lights Flickering?
It’s incredibly annoying to settle in for a relaxing evening, maybe reading a book or trying to help your child with homework, and the lights start flickering in and out. The unexpected — and unwanted — light show can crank up your headache and make it impossible to focus. While this is certainly a major inconvenience, it’s also a sign of underlying electrical issues that need prompt attention. In order to protect your home and your loved ones, familiarize yourself with the most common reasons lights begin to flicker.
Loose Light Bulb or Fixture
Did you or someone in your house recently replace a light bulb in the fixture that is now flickering? One of the simplest reasons lights begin to flicker is because of a loose light bulb. The solution here is straightforward: Turn off the light and check that the bulb is screwed in tightly.
If the flickering persists, try replacing the bulb with a new one. Sometimes, an old or incompatible bulb can cause flickering, especially if it’s mismatched with the fixture’s wattage requirements. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, the problem may lie deeper within the fixture or wiring. For example, the old or frequently used fixture may have a worn socket that causes the bulbs to be loose no matter what. In this case, you will need to do more than just tighten or replace the light bulb.
Defective Light Fixtures
Over time, light fixtures can degrade, particularly in damp environments or if they’re exposed to dust and debris. A defective fixture may struggle to maintain a steady current, resulting in flickering lights. If you have an older fixture or suspect that the flickering is limited to a single light source, consider a light fixture replacement as a potential solution.
Faulty Light Switch
Have you noticed that your lights only flicker when you flip a particular switch? The issue may be with the switch itself. Over time, light switches can wear out or develop loose connections, particularly if they’re used frequently. In this case, replacing the switch could solve the flickering.
Outdated Dimmer Switch
If you’re using LED bulbs with an older dimmer that isn’t LED-compatible, you may notice flickering because the switch is not designed to control the low voltage of LEDs. Upgrading to a dimmer compatible with LED lights can be a simple fix for flickering caused by incompatible dimming technology.
Electrical Load Issues
If your lights flicker whenever you turn on a high-powered appliance, such as an air conditioner, washing machine, or microwave, the problem may be due to an electrical load issue. Large appliances draw a substantial amount of power when they start up, which can create a temporary drop in voltage for other devices and cause lights to flicker.
While occasional dimming is usually harmless, frequent or severe flickering caused by power surges might indicate an overloaded circuit. You could consider redistributing appliances across different circuits to reduce the load on a single line. It’s best to contact a professional electrician to evaluate your home’s electrical system and provide expert electrical panel upgrades to ensure your home’s electrical load is well-balanced and safe.
Poor Connections in the Electrical Panel
Another common but often overlooked reason for flickering lights is a loose connection in the electrical panel. The breaker box is essentially the heart of your home’s electrical system, and loose connections here can create inconsistent power distribution, leading to flickering lights or, in severe cases, power loss.
An experienced electrician can check your electrical panel for any loose or worn connections. If necessary, Go Electric provides emergency electrical services to address these issues promptly, ensuring your home’s electrical system remains safe and efficient.
Loose or Worn Wiring
Loose or worn wiring is one of the most serious reasons lights flicker and can even pose a fire hazard if left unchecked. Over time, wires may become loose due to natural wear, damage, or improper installation. If you suspect loose wiring, it’s crucial to call a licensed electrician immediately. Tinkering with electrical wiring can be dangerous without proper knowledge, so it’s best to have a professional inspect your wiring. If needed, Go Electric can provide rewiring services.
Outdated Electrical System
Older homes often have outdated electrical systems that may not meet today’s demands. For example, homes built before the 1960s may still have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, which can be more susceptible to issues — such as flickering lights or even electrical fires — as they age.
Upgrading your electrical system or rewiring parts of your home can help alleviate these issues. Although it may require an initial investment, an upgraded system will improve safety and efficiency, helping prevent flickering lights and other common electrical problems. Go Electric can assess your home’s wiring and recommend solutions tailored to your needs.
Solve the Mystery Behind Your Flickering Lights With Go Electric
Are you ready to get to the bottom of why your lights are flickering? Reach out to the experts at Go Electric, LLC. Our team provides comprehensive electrical services in Central Minnesota, including Minneapolis, and can help with replacing light fixtures, rewiring, and upgrading electrical panels to stop the headache of flickering lights. Contact us today to get your home’s electrical system in top condition.
