Top Causes of Flickering Lights and How to Fix Them

Flickering lights can be a nuisance and a potential sign of larger electrical issues in your home. Understanding why your lights are flickering is the first step in resolving the problem. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top causes of flickering lights and provide practical solutions to fix them. By the end, you’ll know when it’s time to call a professional like Weltman Home Services to ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and reliable.

Loose Bulbs

One of the most common reasons for flickering lights in a house is a loose bulb. If a bulb isn’t screwed in tightly, it can cause intermittent connections, leading to flickering. This issue is easy to fix:

Solution: Turn off the light, wait for the bulb to cool down, and then tighten it. If the problem persists, try replacing the bulb with a new one.

Faulty Light Switches

Another common cause of flickering lights is a faulty or worn-out light switch. Over time, the internal components of the switch can wear out, leading to a poor connection and flickering lights.

Solution: Test the light switch by turning it on and off several times. If you notice the flickering only occurs when the switch is in a certain position, it might be time to replace the switch. Consider hiring an electrician from Weltman Home Services to ensure the replacement is done safely and correctly.

Electrical Overloads

Electrical overloads can occur when too many appliances or devices are running on the same circuit. This can cause your lights to flicker, especially when high-wattage appliances are turned on.

Solution: Try redistributing your electrical load by unplugging some devices or appliances. If the flickering stops, you may need to add more circuits or upgrade your electrical panel to handle the load. Consult an electrician for a professional assessment.

Loose Wiring

Loose wiring is a serious issue that can cause flickering lights and pose a significant fire hazard. If you suspect loose wiring is the cause, it’s crucial to address it immediately.

Solution: Turn off the power at the circuit breaker and inspect the wiring connections in the affected area. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, contact Weltman Home Services for an inspection and necessary repairs.

Voltage Fluctuations

Voltage fluctuations can also cause flickering lights. These fluctuations can occur due to various reasons, including issues with your electrical service provider or large appliances cycling on and off.

Solution: Use a voltage meter to check the voltage levels in your home. If you notice significant fluctuations, contact your utility company to report the issue. They may need to inspect and fix their equipment. Additionally, consider installing a whole-house surge protector to stabilize voltage levels.

Aging or Damaged Electrical Components

Over time, electrical components such as circuit breakers, fuses, and wiring can degrade, leading to flickering lights and other electrical issues.

Solution: Regular electrical inspections can help identify and address aging or damaged components before they become major problems. Schedule an inspection with a professional electrician to ensure your home’s electrical system is in good condition.

Incompatible Dimmer Switches and Bulbs

Using the wrong type of dimmer switch or bulbs can cause flickering lights. Not all dimmer switches are compatible with LED or CFL bulbs, leading to compatibility issues.

Solution: Ensure you’re using dimmer switches and bulbs that are compatible with each other. Check the manufacturer’s specifications and, if necessary, replace incompatible components with the right ones.

Loose Electrical Connections

Loose electrical connections within outlets, switches, or the electrical panel can cause intermittent power and flickering lights.

Solution: Inspect all connections and tighten any that are loose. If you’re unsure how to do this safely, it’s best to call a professional electrician from Weltman Home Services to handle the inspection and repairs.

Problems with the Main Service Connection

In some cases, the flickering lights in your house may be due to issues with the main service connection to your home. This could be a problem with the utility company’s equipment or the service line connection.

Solution: If you suspect this is the cause, contact your utility company to report the problem. They can inspect and repair their equipment as needed.

External Factors

Sometimes, external factors such as extreme weather conditions or construction work near your home can affect the stability of your electrical supply, leading to flickering lights.

Solution: While you can’t control these external factors, it’s important to monitor the situation. If the flickering persists after the external factors are resolved, it’s a good idea to have your home’s electrical system inspected by a professional.

Conclusion

Flickering lights can be more than just a minor annoyance; they can indicate underlying electrical problems that need to be addressed to ensure your home’s safety. By identifying and fixing the root causes of flickering lights, you can maintain a stable and reliable electrical system. If you’re ever in doubt or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Weltman Home Services. Our expert electricians are ready to help with all your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC needs.