Why Are My Lights Flickering?

Flickering lights are a potential sign of an electrical problem in your home. If your home has this issue and it won’t go away, it is time to call an electrician, like one of our team members at Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical. We have a list of causes for flickering lights in your home for you to learn from, giving you a better understanding and knowledge to explain your home’s electrical problem to us. 

Loose Light Bulbs

The most common cause of flickering lights is a loose bulb. An unstable connection or a poorly connected bulb is sometimes the cause. This happens with any style of light bulb, from incandescent to LED. Adding a different type of bulb is an option, as is trying to adjust the bulb to strengthen the connection. If the flickering doesn’t stop after you adjust the bulb, there is a good possibility that something else is wrong.

Faulty Light Switches

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the bulb itself but with the switch. If the switch has an issue, it can make the light flicker when you turn it on or off. This happens a lot with dimmer switches, which sometimes may not work well with certain types of bulbs. Incompatible dimmers cause lights to buzz, flicker, and burn out prematurely. 

The inside parts of the switch could be wearing out, mainly in the case of an older switch. You might notice the light flashing on and off even after slightly tapping the switch to an ‘on’ or ‘off’ position. An electrician, like one at Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, examines the switch’s wiring and checks for a possible need for replacement. 

Voltage Fluctuations

Fluctuations in voltage sometimes cause flickering lights. If you experience bright lights at times and dim lights at other times, this issue may be caused by poor power delivery. Voltage fluctuation is not just an inconvenience. It can also damage electronic devices and appliances. 

A professional has the appropriate tools to measure the voltage levels in your home and the ability to determine whether they fall within acceptable ranges. Suppose they are not at the acceptable range. In that case, you may need an upgrade to your electrical panel, or we can make other recommendations to ensure you get a reliable power supply. 

Overloaded Circuits

If you’ve recently added a new appliance to your home, you may have an overloaded circuit making your lights flicker. Too many utilities running off the same electrical line sometimes result in an overloaded circuit, which puts strain on the system. This is a common issue with older homes that are sometimes not able to deal with modern electrical loads. 

If the flickering stops but is only temporary, this may be a serious electrical issue. Steady overloading means that electrical fires are always possible.

Loose Wiring Connections

Loose or old wiring is one of the most dangerous reasons for lights to flicker. Your home’s wiring may loosen and become worn out or corroded. These corroded connections create flickering in the lights.

Loose wires or corroded connections can occur anywhere in your home’s electrical system. There are many reasons for their loosening, such as poor installation or damage caused by environmental situations. If you ever notice any indication of loose wiring, such as flickering lights, sparks, or the smell of something burning, it is vital to contact us right away to have your home’s electrical system inspected. 

Electrical Panel Problems

All the electrical circuits revolve around the electrical panel installed in your home, so any problem in your home may involve the panel. Some possible reasons for flickering lights include worn-out breakers, corrosion, and obsolete panels. Your panel may also need an upgrade to handle your home’s electrical needs. 

Older homes, in particular, have electrical panels that can’t handle the needs of modern electronics and conveniences that require electricity. The need for replacements comes when many lights flicker at once. You may also have breakers that trip consistently. Upgrading an electrical panel may do more than just stop flickering lights since it will also increase the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system. 

Utility Service Problems

Sometimes, flickering lights are caused by something completely outside of your home. Problems with utility services, such as power lines or transformers, are potential causes. If you and your neighbors experience the same flickering, this likely means it is an issue with the power supply. 

Also, widespread flickering in one area may be caused by a surge, voltage sag, or outages from the utility company. Usually, these situations are unavoidable, but you should alert the electric supplier immediately to the issue. One of our electricians can also review your home’s electrical system to ensure that problems from your electrical setup aren’t a part of the issue or damaged from the problems. 

Sometimes, the utility company may need to upgrade the local power grid or make repairs to avoid future flickering. Meanwhile, we may be able to provide solutions, including but not limited to surge protectors and voltage regulators in your home, to prevent possible damage to your appliances. 

Incompatible Light Bulbs

At times, flickering is a problem with the light bulbs themselves. Some bulbs, such as CFLs and LEDs, tend to be incompatible with older fixtures or dimmer switches, where flicker is common. This is usually true if you use a bulb that draws more wattage than the fixture or switch can handle. 

These bulbs have different power requirements, and using the wrong socket sometimes causes flickering. For instance, CFL bulbs might take a moment to warm up, leading to a flicker. 

If you have flicker problems with certain bulbs, it is best to contact one of our electricians to inspect the lights and switches to find the issue and give you peace of mind. They also test the wiring and connections to be sure everything functions well and safely. 

Aging or Damaged Fixtures

Another cause of flickering lights is damaged light fixtures. Flickering may arise from an aging fixture with a loose connection or damaged wiring. In some instances, the fixture might not secure the bulb properly, causing intermittent connections. Replacing the fixture alone may solve the issue, but you’ll want verification from an electrician. If several fixtures scattered around your home flicker, this indicates a much bigger problem, which may start with the electrical panel or faulty wiring. One of our electricians can check for underlying issues and have the old or damaged fixtures replaced.

Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical Can Help

At Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical in Weatherford, TX, we provide electrical repairs, installation, and inspection services for homes in the area for over 40 years. We love to be apart of the community, so we are involved with many non-profit groups that make a difference for Weatherford residents. Our friendly team also provides generators, plumbing, and HVAC services. Contact Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical for more information today!