You’re relaxing on the couch, enjoying a quiet evening, when suddenly—the lights start flickering. At first, you brush it off, but then it happens again. Is it a minor annoyance or a sign of something more serious?
Flickering lights can be caused by anything from a loose bulb to a dangerous wiring issue. While some cases are harmless, others could put your home at risk of electrical failure or even fire. Understanding the cause is the first step to fixing the problem before it gets worse.
Below, we’ll explore 12 common reasons why your lights might be flickering and what you can do to stop it.
1. Loose or Improperly Installed Light Bulb
Why It Happens:
A loose bulb doesn’t make full contact with the socket, causing an inconsistent power flow that results in flickering. This often happens in ceiling fixtures, lamps, or outdoor lights that experience movement or vibrations. Over time, heat expansion can also loosen a bulb, even if it was originally secure.
How to Fix It:
- Turn off the light and let it cool down. This prevents burns while handling the bulb.
- Carefully tighten the bulb until it’s fully secure in the socket.
- If the flickering continues, try replacing the bulb, as the filament or internal wiring may be damaged.
- Check the socket for signs of wear or corrosion. If damaged, call an electrician for repairs.
2. Using the Wrong Type of Bulb
Why It Happens:
Not all light bulbs are compatible with every fixture. LED bulbs may flicker when used with an old dimmer switch that isn’t designed for them, while fluorescent bulbs naturally flicker when warming up or nearing the end of their lifespan. Using a bulb with the wrong wattage for a fixture can also cause flickering due to inconsistent power flow.
How to Fix It:
- Check if your bulb is compatible with the fixture and dimmer switch (if applicable).
- If using a dimmer switch, upgrade to dimmable LED bulbs specifically designed for it.
- If you have an old fluorescent bulb, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient option.
- If you’re experiencing frequent flickering due to incompatible or outdated fixtures, consider professional lighting fixture installation to upgrade your home’s lighting system.
3. Faulty Light Switch or Dimmer Switch
Why It Happens:
A worn-out or loose light switch can disrupt the flow of electricity, causing lights to flicker. Dimmer switches, especially older models, may not work properly with LED or CFL bulbs, leading to flickering or inconsistent brightness. If flickering occurs when adjusting the switch, the switch itself is likely the problem.
How to Fix It:
- Turn the light switch on and off a few times to see if flickering stops.
- If the flickering happens only with a dimmer switch, ensure it’s compatible with your bulbs.
- If the issue persists, a licensed electrician can replace the switch or upgrade your dimmer.
4. Loose Electrical Plug or Faulty Outlet
Why It Happens:
If a plug-in fixture flickers, the issue may be a loose connection between the plug and the outlet. Over time, outlets can wear out, causing an unstable power flow. If the outlet is damaged, burned, or discolored, it may indicate internal wiring problems requiring immediate attention.
How to Fix It:
- Make sure that the plug is fully inserted into the outlet.
- Test the fixture in a different outlet—if the flickering stops, the original outlet may be faulty.
- Check for signs of damage (burn marks, buzzing sounds, or a loose fit).
- If the outlet is worn or malfunctioning, call an electrician—damaged outlets can overheat and pose a fire risk.
5. Overloaded Circuit (Too Many Appliances Running at Once)
Why It Happens:
Your home’s electrical circuits are designed to handle limited power. If multiple high-power appliances—like an HVAC system, refrigerator, microwave, or hairdryer—are running on the same circuit, the demand may exceed its capacity. This can cause lights to flicker, dim temporarily, or even trip the breaker.
How to Fix It:
- Reduce the number of appliances running on the same circuit.
- If flickering happens often, consider upgrading to a higher-capacity electrical panel.
- Have an electrician inspect your electrical panel to see if an upgrade is needed.
- Consider adding dedicated circuits for high-power appliances to prevent overloads.
6. Voltage Fluctuations in Your Home
Why It Happens:
Your home should receive a steady voltage supply of around 120 volts. However, if the voltage fluctuates too much, it can cause lights to flicker, dim, or even burn out quickly. Signs of voltage issues include:
- Lights flicker or dimming when large appliances turn on
- Frequent light bulb burnouts
- Electronics randomly shutting off or malfunctioning
- Overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or issues with your utility provider may cause voltage fluctuations.
How to Fix It:
- Use a voltage tester to check if your home’s voltage is stable.
- If voltage levels exceed 120 volts, call an electrician immediately—unstable voltage can damage electronics and increase fire risks.
- If the issue affects multiple homes in your area, contact your utility provider to report possible grid issues.
- Scheduling a professional electrical safety inspection can help identify potential hazards and prevent voltage-related damage.
- Consider installing a whole-home surge protector to protect your electrical system from sudden spikes.
7. Utility Company Issues (External Power Problems)
Why It Happens:
Sometimes, flickering lights aren’t caused by anything inside your home. Issues with your local power grid—such as damaged power lines, overloaded transformers, or maintenance work—can cause flickering across multiple homes in your area. If your lights flicker simultaneously every day or during bad weather, your utility provider may struggle to supply constant power.
How to Fix It:
- Check with your neighbors—if their lights flicker, too, it’s likely a utility issue.
- Contact your electricity provider to report the problem.
- If flickering persists after the utility company resolves an issue, have an electrician inspect your home’s wiring.
8. Loose or Aging Electrical Wiring (Fire Hazard!)
Why It Happens:
Over time, electrical wiring deteriorates, loosens, or becomes damaged, leading to an unstable power connection. This can cause flickering lights, buzzing sounds, and even sparking behind walls, a major fire hazard. Older homes (built over 30 years ago) are especially at risk if the wiring hasn’t been updated.
How to Fix It:
- Turn off power to the affected area.
- Do NOT attempt to fix wiring yourself—improper handling can be dangerous.
- Older homes with outdated or deteriorating wiring may need electrical rewiring to prevent fire hazards and ensure a stable power supply.
- Call a licensed electrician to inspect, repair, or replace old wiring.
9. Issues with Your Main Electrical Panel
Why It Happens:
Your electrical panel serves as the central hub of your home’s electrical system, regulating and distributing power to various circuits. If it’s old, overloaded, or has loose connections, it can cause flickering lights, power surges, or even complete outages in certain areas of your home.
How to Fix It:
- Check if flickering happens in multiple areas of your home—this points to a panel issue rather than an isolated circuit problem.
- Feel the panel for heat—if it’s warm, turn off the power immediately and call an electrician, which could indicate overheating.
- If your home still relies on an outdated fuse box, upgrading to a modern circuit breaker panel can enhance safety and efficiency.
- Schedule a professional inspection to determine if your panel needs repairs or a full replacement.
10. Electrical Arcing (Sparks Inside Walls!)
Why It Happens:
Electrical arcing occurs when electricity jumps between loose or damaged wires, creating extreme heat and small sparks. This can lead to severe flickering, buzzing sounds, burning smells, and even electrical fires. Arcing is often caused by frayed wiring, loose connections, or worn-out outlets.
How to Fix It:
- Look for warning signs like intense flickering, a burning smell, or crackling sounds near outlets or switches.
- Turn off power immediately if you suspect arcing—this is a major fire hazard.
- Do not attempt DIY repairs—exposed wires can be deadly.
- Call an electrician immediately to inspect and replace damaged wiring, outlets, or switch connections.
11. Transformer Malfunctions in Your Area
Why It Happens:
Your home receives power from a local transformer, which distributes electricity to multiple houses. If the transformer is damaged, overloaded, or failing, it can cause widespread flickering or dimming of lights across multiple homes. This is especially common during storms, extreme temperatures, or high energy demand periods.
How to Fix It:
- Check with your neighbors—if their lights are flickering, too, the issue is likely with the transformer.
- Observe when flickering happens—if it occurs at specific times (like peak electricity usage), your transformer may struggle to supply steady power.
- Call your utility provider to report the issue and check for repairs or maintenance updates.
- If flickering continues after the transformer is fixed, have an electrician inspect your home’s electrical panel to ensure no residual damage occurs.
12. Storm Damage or High Winds Affecting Power Lines
Why It Happens:
Severe weather—such as strong winds, lightning, heavy rain, or snow storms—can damage power lines, causing temporary flickering, dimming, or even power outages. High winds can shake overhead power lines, while lightning strikes or falling tree branches can disrupt the power supply.
How to Fix It:
- Wait for the storm to pass—power fluctuations often stabilize once weather conditions improve.
- Check if your neighbors are experiencing the same issue—widespread flickering usually means a problem with the power grid.
- Report outages or power fluctuations to your utility provider so they can assess damage and make necessary repairs.
- If flickering continues after the storm, have an electrician inspect your home for power surges or electrical panel damage.
Don’t Ignore Flickering Lights—Call Hurliman Today!
Flickering lights might seem like a small issue, but they could be a warning sign of serious electrical problems. Ignoring them could lead to power failures, damaged appliances, or even fire hazards.
At Hurliman Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in electrical inspections, repairs, and upgrades to keep your home safe.
Don’t let flickering lights become a bigger problem—schedule a professional inspection today! Call Hurliman Heating & Air Conditioning Now!
