Sometimes, you’re going about your day, and out of nowhere, something odd happens — your lights flicker. It’s enough to stop you in your tracks and make you wonder if you should be worried. Flickering lights might seem like a small inconvenience, but they can be a sign of a bigger electrical issue in your home. The trick is figuring out what’s causing it. Are your bulbs to blame, or is something more serious going on behind the scenes?
In this blog, we’ll break down ten reasons your lights are flickering, what to look out for, and how to know when it’s time to call an electrician for assistance.
1. Loose Light Bulbs
A loose light bulb is probably the easiest fix on this list. If your bulb isn’t screwed in properly, it can cause flickering. All you need to do is turn off the light and gently tighten the bulb until it’s snug. Whether you’re dealing with incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs, or even fluorescent bulbs, a loose connection can lead to flickering lights.
Pro Tip: Always be careful when handling bulbs, particularly ones that have been on for a while. They can get hot fast!
2. Incompatible Dimmer Switches
If you’ve recently upgraded your bulbs to LED, but your dimmer switch is an older model, this could potentially be one of the reasons your lights are flickering. Many older dimmer switches aren’t compatible with LED bulbs, leading to flickering issues. Consider upgrading to a newer dimmer switch that works with your modern light fixtures to fix the problem.
3. Faulty Light Fixtures
Another reason your lights are flickering could be the fixture itself. Over time, light fixtures can develop faults, especially if they’re older or weren’t installed properly. Whether it’s the wiring inside the fixture or a loose connection, a faulty light fixture is a common cause of blinking lights.
4. Loose Wiring or Electrical Connections
Loose wiring is a serious fire hazard. If you notice flickering lights throughout your house, notably in multiple rooms, you might have a loose wiring problem in your home’s electrical system. This is one of the most common causes of flickering and should be addressed as soon as possible by a licensed electrician. Loose connections can overheat and potentially cause house fires, making this one electrical problem you don’t want to ignore.
5. Electrical Overload
Have you ever noticed the lights flicker when you run certain appliances, like your washing machine or air conditioner? That’s because large appliances draw a lot of power, sometimes more than your electrical circuit can handle. This overload can be when these appliances kick on. The flickering pattern here is usually temporary, and it happens when the appliance starts running.
If you see this happening often, it may be a sign your home’s electrical system isn’t able to handle the load. Overloaded circuits can cause serious consequences and might need professional attention to prevent electrical hazards. Since overloaded circuits are one of the potential reasons your lights are flickering and can be dangerous, it may be a good idea to get your home checked.
6. Faulty Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers are designed to trip when they detect an electrical issue, but sometimes, they don’t work as they should. If your circuit breakers are faulty, they might not be able to handle the electrical load properly, leading to flickering lights. A certified electrician can inspect your electrical panel and determine if your circuit breakers need replacement.
7. Voltage Fluctuations
Your home’s voltage should stay around 120 volts, but if there are sudden spikes or drops, you might notice your lights flickering. These fluctuations can be what causes flickering lights and might indicate a bigger problem with your electrical service. If you notice a pattern of flickering lights when other appliances are turned on, voltage issues could be the cause.
8. Utility Service Problems
Sometimes, what causes flickering lights is outside of your home. If there’s an issue with your utility company’s service, like downed power lines or work on the grid, it can lead to temporary power fluctuations that cause your lights to flicker. If you’ve ruled out all the other common causes of flickering, it’s worth giving your utility company a call to see if there are any outages or maintenance issues in your area.
9. Outdated Wiring
Older homes often have outdated wiring, which can be what causes flickering lights throughout the house. If your home’s wiring is several decades old, it might not be up to code or able to handle modern electrical loads. This can cause multiple lights to flicker, such as when you’re using several appliances at once. Outdated wiring should always be inspected by a professional electrician, as it can pose a considerable safety risk, including the potential for electrical fires.
10. A Problem With the Light Switch
A loose light switch or worn-out wiring inside the switch can also lead to flickering lights. You might notice that when you flip the switch, the lights blink briefly or flicker until it’s settled. In this case, replacing the switch should fix the problem.
If you’re dealing with flickering light issues that don’t seem to have a simple solution, it’s always best to call in a professional. A licensed electrician can inspect your wiring, circuit breakers, and light fixtures to determine the underlying issue. At Grasser Electric, our experienced electricians know what causes flickering lights and can provide the necessary solution.
Is Flickering Dangerous?
Are flickering lights dangerous? They can be. While some causes are relatively harmless — like a loose bulb or a switch that needs replacing — others, like loose wiring or an overloaded circuit, can be serious fire hazards. If the flickering increases, affects multiple rooms, or seems to be happening more often, it’s important to address the issue right away. Electrical problems can escalate quickly if left unchecked.
Grasser Electric offers a range of emergency electrical services in the Greater St. Louis area and the surrounding communities of St. Charles County to handle any electrical issues you might face. We have the expertise required to keep your home safe.
Call Grasser Electric for Help!
If you’ve noticed flickering lights in your home and aren’t sure what’s causing the issue, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Grasser Electric, we offer a full range of electrical services in the St. Louis area. Our team is ready to help make sure your lights remain flicker-free.
Now that you know the most common reasons your lights are flickering, contact us today to schedule your service! If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s lighting, we also specialize in interior and outdoor lighting in St. Charles County and the nearby areas.
