There are multiple reasons your lights flicker, and an occasional flicker is not out of the ordinary. Sometimes this happens because of a change in a household’s overall voltage. Other times, a more severe problem is at play.
Why Do My Lights Keep Flickering or Blinking?
There are two causes of light flickering: insufficient, low-quality bulbs, or mixed bulbs and insufficient power.
Insufficient, low-quality bulbs or mixed bulbs are easy to handle. The flickering should subside once you replace the bulbs with the proper size. Try replacing all bulbs on the circuit at once with the same brand.
Insufficient power is a likely culprit for light flickering. Insufficient power is caused by several things. The most common reasons for low power are:
- Bad electronics
- Incompatible or faulty light switches
- Loose circuit connections and old wiring
- Poor power distribution
- Tankless water heater or HVAC setups
Bad Electronics
Sometimes your insufficient power issue is caused by something as simple as a bad power cord or phone charger. Try unplugging items one at a time to see if they affect the flicker. Once you find the culprit, remove it and safely dispose of it.
Incompatible or Faulty Light Switches
LED lights on circuits with an incompatible dimmer switch are the most common flickering lights. Be sure to buy dimmable LED bulbs. You can also replace the switch that controls the LEDs.
Loose Circuit Connections and Old Wiring
In older homes, flickering lights might show that the wiring is old and starting to go bad. If this is the case, replace the wiring. Eventually, this issue can lead to loose circuit connections, which are very dangerous and pose an electrical fire risk.
Poor Power Distribution
Large appliances take up a lot of power. If you have large appliances on the circuit, the flickering might be because the voltage is being drawn away from devices, like lights, to power the appliance.
Tankless Water Heater or HVAC Units
These types of heaters and units draw a lot of power. This extreme power consumption can affect the voltage delivered elsewhere in your home which causes flickering. It is normal for your lights to dim 3-5 percent when your AC unit starts.
Other Reasons Why Your Lights Are Flickering
Beyond the reasons discussed above, there are a few other reasons your lights might be flickering. These include:
- Overloaded circuit
- Constantly changing voltages
- Service issue with electrical utilities
- Problems with the cable connection or meter box
Finding The Problem
Though you should consult a professional electrician to fix the issue, you may be able to diagnose the issue yourself. First, observe what triggers the lights to flicker. This could be turning a specific appliance on, hearing a humming noise coming from the breaker box, or seeing that the light flicker remains no matter the conditions of your home.
If you still cannot figure out what is causing flickering lights, call the expert electricians from U.S. Electric today!
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Flickering Lights
There are plenty of reasons you should not ignore flickering lights in your home, ranging from aesthetic reasons to safety hazards. They are an eyesore, but they can also affect your daily activities at home and signal an underlying issue.
Though it is tricky to pinpoint the reason they are flickering, it is necessary. If left unchecked, it may lead to larger issues. It also increases the possibility of electric shock, short circuits, and even an electrical fire.
Got Flickering Lights? We Can Help!
Do not risk your safety with DIY methods that may be expensive. Any electrical issue can be complicated and risky. It should be done cautiously and properly by a professional electrician. Contact the pros at U.S. Electric if you need help!