9 Reasons for Lights Flickering in Your Home
Lights Flickering in a House Do So For a Reason
When you start to see your lights flickering in your home, they're doing so for a reason. Much like how your body can experience one symptom, like a headache or toothache, that is representative of a problem elsewhere in the body, your home's light bulbs flashing can indicate a more serious problem elsewhere. Whether it's just a bad bulb or a short circuit or other serious problem behind the lights flickering in a house, it can be diagnosed and resolved quickly.
Dealing with flickering lights doesn't always have to be complicated, but sometimes it can be. There are four simple reasons why you're experiencing this problem and six reasons that are more serious and difficult to deal with. We're going to break them down and the solutions you should consider.
Three Reasons Your Lights Are Flickering That Aren't So Serious
Flickering light bulbs aren't always a major concern. In three scenarios, they're flickering due to simple and easy-to-fix reasons.
Loose Bulb
If the bulb has come loose, this can cause it to flicker. Before doing anything else, check and make sure it is securely fastened into the socket.
Your Bulb is Bad
A bad bulb can begin flickering as it tries to burn out. In this case, replace the bulb. If the new bulb does not flicker then that was your issue.
Not Compatible for a Dimmer Switch
If you're using a dimmer switch and your bulb is flickering in your home, it's possible that bulb may not be compatible with a dimmer. Make sure the bulb type is made for a dimmer switch and if it isn't then replace it with the right kind.
Six Serious Reasons Your Lights Are Flickering
If your problem isn't something simple like a loose or bad bulb, you may be facing something much more serious. In some cases, a flickering light bulb can even represent a safety hazard, making it important to investigate as soon as possible.
Before deciding what you think the cause may be, do a little basic troubleshooting. Start by taking note if the lights flicker at any specific event or time, like when a major appliance is turned on. It's also important to note if the flickering is persistent, as well as if it's a minor flicker or a significant one.
Fluctuations in Voltage
Anytime the voltage flowing into or through your home is disrupted it can cause lights to dim or brighten. Voltage fluctuations can occur for a variety of reasons:
- Loose or corroded connections
- Undersized wiring
- Overloaded circuit
- Substantial increase in demand, like turning on a large appliance
- Main panel problems
- Issues with your utility service
Loose or Corroded Connections
A bad connection along your electrical circuit, like with a lose or corroded connection, can result in voltage fluctuations. These fluctuations can be the culprit behind lights flickering in a house. If this is your issue, this can be a fix as easy as tightening down a loose connection.
Undersized Wiring
Electrical demand cannot be properly met if the wires carrying the load aren't sized properly. Undersized wiring provides inadequate electricity along the circuit and can cause lights to start flickering. In these cases, there is also a concern that the wiring could melt or start a fire if the load gets too large for too sustained of a period.
An Overloaded Circuit
If you're noticing lights flickering in your home when you turn on a major appliance, like a dryer or air conditioner, this could indicate an overloaded circuit. One or more circuits could be experiencing an overload, which can result in damage to your circuits or fixtures on them. Damage from an overloaded circuit can include shortening the life expectancy of appliances, damage to the wiring or fixtures, busting fuses or tripping breakers, as well as potentially starting a fire. Never try to resolve these yourselves. Call an electrician immediately if you believe your circuit is overloaded.
Substantial Increase in Demand
Substantially increases the electrical demand along a circuit, like when you turn on a major appliance such as an air conditioner, can be behind lights flickering. This may require separating certain appliances onto their own dedicated circuit and should be inspected by a licensed electrician.
Main Panel Problems
Over time, you're likely to have increased your home's electrical usage with the addition of larger or additional appliances. As this happens, you can reach a point where your home's electrical demand exceeds what your main panel can handle. It's also possible there is damage to your main panel causing voltage fluctuations that result in flickering lights and other issues. When this happens, you need a licensed electrician and possible to consider an electrical panel replacement.
Issues With Your Utility Service
Your home may share a transformer with a neighbor and could find your voltage fluctuates when their usage dramatically increases. There can also be damage or other issues with lines coming into your home. If everything inside your home has been troubleshot and appears to be in good working order, you may need to contact your utility provider.
When Should I Be Concerned?
Anytime lights flickering in your home, especially more than just one bulb, do so persistently or substantially, it's time to be concerned. This could be the symptom of a greater issue, many of which pose fire hazards. If your bulbs are steadily dimming or brightening, call for an electrician. A skilled electrical technician can trace down the issue and provide solutions.
Lights Flickering Inside Your Home?
If you've checked the simple things and those aren't your problem, the next step is giving us a call. Our team of experienced, licensed electricians will assess your flickering lights and determine the best repair solution for your unique situation.