Why are your house lights flickering? While flickering lights may not be as severe a problem as other common electrical issues, it’s still an annoyance and something you’ll want to address sooner rather than later — and it may be a sign of a more serious electrical issue in your home.
Explore seven possible reasons for flickering house lights and how the skilled electricians at High 5 can help Denver area homeowners.
1) Loose Light Bulbs
Loose bulbs are one of the most common reasons for flickering lights and also one of the easiest to fix. Running appliances and simply walking around the house sends out tiny vibrations, which can gradually loosen light bulbs from their fixtures. Eventually, this may result in flickering lights. Before calling an electrician, check that all flickering bulbs are tightly screwed in.
2) Voltage Fluctuations
Most homes are on a 120-volt circuit, so your home’s electrical voltage should only slightly fluctuate between 115 and 125 volts. If your voltage fluctuates outside of this normal range, it could cause your light bulbs to dim or flicker. You’ll know the voltage is an issue if:
- The lights flicker when running appliances.
- Lights keep flickering after the appliance is shut off.
- Lights get dimmer at random points.
- Bulbs are burning out faster than normal.
- Appliances and electronics are malfunctioning due to inconsistent voltage.
You can safely check your home’s voltage with a voltmeter to confirm your suspicions about voltage fluctuations. If you discover a problem, opt for professional electrical repairs to ensure your safety.
3) Faulty Light Switches
Light switches wear out over the years, which may eventually lead to lights flickering. If the light only flickers when you turn it on, you may have a loose wire or a damaged switch. Fortunately, this is a straightforward repair job, but it’s recommended to leave this task to a professional for your safety.
4) Overloaded Circuits
Why do lights flicker when you turn on an appliance like a dishwasher or clothes dryer? This is a common sign that you’re overloading the circuit, which means the circuit is being forced to carry more electrical current than it’s designed to handle. Ignoring an overloaded circuit can lead to overheating, tripped breakers, and even electrical fires. Contact a professional if you suspect an overloaded circuit.
5) Loose Wiring Connections
Damaged connections are another common cause for flickering lights. The damage could occur anywhere between the light switch and the bulb. Pinpointing the source of the problem is difficult unless you’re an experienced professional.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), loose wires can be a serious issue. Electrical wiring was involved in more than 32,000 home fires per year from 2015 to 2019, causing more than $1.3 billion in property damage.
6) Aging Light Fixtures
House lights flickering might be due to your fixtures. Lighting fixtures should last for many years, but they’ll eventually begin to fail. Connections become loose and bulb threads get damaged, leading to incessant flickering. In this case, your best course of action is to replace the old fixtures with new, more reliable ones.
7) Electrical Panel Issues
The circuit breaker panel, or electrical panel, is another possible cause of flickering lights in the home. Your panel’s breakers are responsible for directing your home’s energy supply to the various lights and outlets throughout the house.
Many Denver area homes have outdated and undersized electrical panels that can’t supply the power needed for modern appliances. Working on an electrical panel is dangerous for those without the right knowledge, so it’s best to contact a professional if you suspect a problem.
When To Get Professional Inspection and Assistance
Electrical issues can be a serious inconvenience, especially when there are many possible causes. Flickering lights aren’t the worst possible electrical issue, but they’re often an indicator of a more serious problem in need of attention. How do you know when to contact an expert for help with flickering lights?
Try these simple troubleshooting methods before contacting an expert:
- Make sure all flickering bulbs are tightly screwed into their sockets.
- Check your home’s voltage with a voltmeter.
- If you’re using old incandescent light bulbs, swap them out for modern LEDs.
If none of these tips offer a solution, it’s time to contact a professional electrician. An electrical expert will quickly diagnose the issue, make the necessary repairs, and stop your lights from flickering.
While inspecting the system, your electrician may find other potential problems, such as damaged wiring connections, overloaded circuits, or aging light fixtures. By spotting and addressing these electrical concerns early on, you’ll save money on future repairs, avoid the stress of major electrical issues, and keep your home and family safe.
Lights Flickering in Your Home? Contact the Team of Electricians at High 5
High 5 electricians are skilled, experienced, and highly knowledgeable. They work tirelessly to resolve flickering lights and any underlying electrical problems. You can count on our team to be courteous, efficient, and effective, giving you the peace of mind you deserve as a homeowner.
For the best electrician services in the Denver region, contact our team without delay. We know how important it is to have power throughout the home and that just one malfunctioning light or socket can be a major inconvenience. Our team can help guide you to the right solution.
