Why Are Your Lights Flickering?

Have you ever walked into a room and noticed your lights flickering? When that happens, you might wonder whether it’s a simple glitch or something more serious.

While flickering lights might seem like a minor annoyance, they can indicate underlying issues with your electrical system. Here are some of the most common reasons and what you can do to fix them.

The Power Goes Up and Down

One of the top reasons for flickering lights is fluctuations in voltage. Your lights are designed to run within a specific voltage range, usually around 110-120 volts. You might notice the lights dim or flicker if the voltage goes higher or lower than it should.

If you notice that the light dims whenever large appliances kick on, or there are sudden dips in your electricity, you might have voltage issues.

If this is happening in your home, it’s time to call an electrician. They can take a look at your electrical panel to make sure everything’s running as it should. They may need to upgrade your panel or adjust the electricity distribution to prevent those voltage fluctuations.

Loose Light Bulbs

Sometimes, the answer to flickering lights is as simple as a loose bulb. If the bulb is not screwed in correctly, the connection might be shaky. That can cause it to flicker when you turn it on.

If tightening does not help, try replacing the bulb to see if that resolves the issue. This easy fix might be enough to stop the flickering.

Old or Faulty Light Switches and Dimmers

If your lights flicker only when you adjust the dimmer or flip the switch, there might be something wrong with the switch itself. Dimmer switches can cause issues if they are incompatible with your light bulbs.

You will want to test the light switch to see if it’s the culprit. Any flickering as you adjust it could mean the issue is with the switch.

Overloaded Circuits

If you’ve been overloading the same circuit with too many devices, your lights might flicker. Appliances like refrigerators, space heaters, and window air conditioners draw a lot of power. When too many things run on the same circuit, that can cause problems. Overloaded circuits happen when certain devices are turned on or the breakers trip on a regular basis.

You need to make sure that high-power appliances are plugged into their own circuits. If you notice flickering even when you’re not overloading, it may be time for an electrician to evaluate your system and potentially add more circuits.

Faulty Wiring

One of the more concerning reasons for flickering lights is faulty wiring. If your home has loose, damaged, or corroded wires, they can cause inconsistent power delivery. This is a serious issue and should never be ignored.

Some of the signs of wiring issues include:

• Flickering in one area of the house
• A burning smell near outlets or switches
• Sparks when plugging in or turning on appliances

Wiring problems can be dangerous and should only be handled by an electrical repair professional.

Electrical Panel Troubles

Your home’s electrical panel distributes power throughout the house. If it is outdated or has a loose connection, it can cause issues like flickering lights. These problems can cause the lights to dim whenever a certain appliance is used. You might also notice that your circuit breakers frequently trip.

If your electrical panel is the problem, have an electrician inspect it. If needed, they can repair or replace the panel to ensure everything is up to code.

Power Surges or Spikes from Lightning Strikes

While the sight of a storm might be exciting, it can also cause serious electrical issues in your home. When lightning strikes nearby power lines or even directly hits a building, it can cause a sudden surge of electricity. This surge travels through the electrical system, causing your lights to flicker or damaging sensitive electronics.

If you’ve ever noticed your lights flicker during or after a storm, it’s likely the result of a lightning-induced surge. Even if the lightning strike isn’t directly hitting your home, the energy from a nearby strike can travel through power lines. This can affect everything connected to your electrical system.

Call an electrician if the flickering becomes frequent or if you suspect lightning might have caused damage. They can assess your electrical system for any potential issues caused by the surge. Along with that, they can make sure everything is safe and properly protected moving forward.

Utility Company Issues

Sometimes, flickering is not related to a problem in your home. If your utility company is experiencing issues, you might notice power surges or flickering lights throughout your neighborhood.

Many times, the flickering happens during high-demand times. In these instances, call your utility provider. If the problem is on their end, they can fix it and restore a steady power supply.

Too Many Large Appliances

Certain large appliances, such as your HVAC system or refrigerator, can cause lights to flicker when they turn on because they draw a lot of power. This is true if these appliances are on the same circuit as your lights.

All major appliances should have their own dedicated circuits. You may also want to install surge protectors to help absorb any power surges that could affect your lights.

An Aging Electrical System

If your home is a bit older, its electrical system might struggle to meet modern demands. Flickering lights can sometimes be a sign that your electrical system needs an upgrade.

An electrician can evaluate your system and recommend upgrades. It may be time to replace old wiring, install a new panel, or add additional outlets to meet the demands of your home.

When to Call a Professional

While some causes of flickering lights can be easily addressed with simple fixes, others may indicate more serious electrical issues that a licensed professional should handle. Call an electrician immediately if you notice any warning signs, such as sparks, burning smells, or frequent tripped breakers. These symptoms could indicate underlying problems that can put your life at risk.

Flickering lights may also point to a more complicated issue, such as issues with your electrical service line or connection to the grid. When flickering only affects specific lights or outlets, the problem may be localized and involve a malfunctioning switch or outlet. However, if the flickering is widespread, it could signify a larger electrical problem that requires professional assessment and repair.

Your safety should always come first. Electrical issues left unaddressed can escalate. In turn, that can lead to potential fire hazards, electrical shock, or damage to sensitive devices. Calling a licensed electrician ensures the issue is diagnosed properly and resolved safely. Plus, it makes sure your home’s electrical system remains up to code.

At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we specialize in electrical services, including electrical panel repairs and upgrades in the Los Angeles area, and we can install an EV charger in your home as well. Our highly-trained technicians are committed to providing professional and efficient service. We prioritize your safety by adhering to local codes and offering eco-friendly practices. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.