You’re sitting at home, and out of the corner of your eye, you notice it — your lights flickering again. Maybe it’s just a quick blink, or perhaps it happens so often that you’ve started ignoring it. But should you? Flickering lights can be a minor issue, like a loose bulb, or they can point to something more serious, like faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. Ignoring the problem could put your home at risk for bigger electrical issues.
Loose Bulbs and Faulty Fixtures
One of the first things you should check when your lights start flickering is the bulb itself. It might sound obvious, but sometimes, a bulb isn’t screwed in all the way, causing a weak connection that leads to flickering. This can happen more often than you’d think, especially with bulbs that get bumped or fixtures that see a lot of movement, like a lamp on a wobbly table.
If tightening the bulb doesn’t fix the issue, the next step is to consider the fixture. Over time, the wiring inside a fixture can loosen, making the connection unreliable. Older lamps and ceiling lights are especially prone to this problem. If you notice flickering in just one fixture and changing the bulb doesn’t help, there’s a good chance the problem is in the fixture itself. You might also see signs like buzzing, a burning smell, or even occasional sparks. Those are red flags that the fixture needs to be repaired or replaced.
Another thing to look for is the type of bulb you’re using. LED bulbs, for example, sometimes flicker if they’re paired with an incompatible dimmer switch. If your flickering happens when you adjust the dimmer, switching to dimmable LEDs or upgrading the dimmer switch could solve the problem. The same goes for fluorescent bulbs, which tend to flicker when they’re warming up. That’s normal, but if the flickering lasts longer than usual or happens constantly, the ballast inside the fixture may need replacing.
Overloaded Circuits and Power Surges
If your lights flicker when you turn on an appliance — like the microwave, vacuum, or air conditioner — it could be a sign of an overloaded circuit. This happens when a single circuit is handling more power than it was designed for, which can cause voltage drops that make your lights dim or flicker.
Think about how many devices are plugged into the same circuit in your home. If your flickering happens at the same time as a big appliance running, your electrical system might not be able to handle the demand. In older homes, this is even more common because electrical panels weren’t built to support the number of electronics and appliances people use today.
Power surges can also cause flickering. These happen when there’s a sudden spike in electricity, like when a large appliance kicks on or during a lightning storm. While most surges are brief, frequent surges can damage your home’s wiring over time. If your lights flicker every time the fridge or air conditioner starts up, you might need to have your electrical panel inspected. A professional can determine if your circuits need to be upgraded or if installing a surge protector could help balance the flow of electricity.
Loose or Damaged Wiring
Flickering lights might seem like a small issue, but they can actually point to a bigger problem, like loose or damaged wiring. Over time, connections can wear out, especially in older homes or if the wiring wasn’t done right in the first place. This can cause unsteady electricity, leading to flickering and, in some cases, even short circuits or fires.
If your flickering lights are accompanied by other warning signs, such as outlets that feel warm, frequent breaker trips, or the smell of burning plastic, it’s time to take the issue seriously. Faulty wiring is one of the most common causes of house fires, and flickering lights can be one of the first signs that something isn’t right.
One way to tell if loose wiring might be the issue is to wiggle the light switch when the light is on gently. If you notice flickering or a crackling sound, the wiring inside the switch may be loose. Similarly, if flickering happens when you touch or move a cord, the wiring inside could be frayed or damaged. Either way, electrical work isn’t something you want to guess at. Getting a professional to inspect your home and determine if you need partial or whole-home rewiring service is the safest option.
Electrical Panel Problems
Your electrical panel is like the control center of your home’s wiring. It directs power where it needs to go and keeps everything running smoothly. But if there’s a problem with your panel, it can lead to flickering lights, power interruptions, and even bigger electrical failures.
Panels can wear out, especially if they’re older models that weren’t built to handle modern electrical loads. If your home was built several decades ago and still has the original panel, it may struggle to keep up with today’s power demands. Signs that you need to replace your electrical panel with an upgraded model include frequent breaker trips, buzzing sounds, or flickering lights that happen throughout the house instead of in just one area.
Sometimes, an issue with the main electrical connection can also cause flickering. If the flickering happens across multiple rooms or even the whole house, it could mean that the main power supply isn’t stable. This isn’t something you can fix yourself, but it’s definitely something that should be checked out as soon as possible.
Outdoor Electrical Issues
Not all flickering light problems start inside your home. Sometimes, the issue is coming from the power lines or transformers outside. If you’ve ruled out problems with your bulbs, fixtures, and wiring, it might be time to check with your power company.
If your neighbors are also experiencing flickering lights, that’s a sign that the issue might be coming from the power grid. Things like damaged power lines, overloaded transformers, or maintenance work can cause inconsistent voltage, leading to flickering. Storms and high winds can also affect power lines, creating temporary disruptions.
When To Take Action
Some flickering lights are just minor annoyances, like a loose bulb or an incompatible dimmer switch, but others can be warning signs of bigger electrical problems. If you’ve noticed flickering in multiple rooms, frequent power surges, or other signs of electrical trouble, it’s better to address it sooner rather than later.
Flickering lights aren’t just an annoyance; they’re your home’s way of telling you something might be wrong. Paying attention to the signs and acting early can help keep your home safe and your electricity running smoothly.
Call Us For Your Electrical Needs
If your lights don’t stop flickering, let AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical in Farmington Hills, MI, help you figure out what’s going on to make sure your home’s electrical system is in top shape. We handle all electrical services, from rewiring to panel upgrades. Give AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical a call today!
