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Did you know that 1 in 4 companies experience a power outage each month?
Luckily, most homeowners don’t have to deal with frequent power outages. However, homeowners will occasionally have to deal with flickering lights, which can be just as troubling.
For new homeowners, flickering lights can be especially worrisome. But how do you know whether you need the help of a professional?
We’re here to fill you in. Keep reading the guide below to learn when to worry about flickering lights and how to fix them!
In This Post:
When You Can Relax and DIY
Flickering lights aren’t always a sign that you need to call an electrician. There are some instances when you can fix the problem yourself! Typically these situations will only affect one set of lights, as opposed to all the lights in your home.
Faulty Light Switch
Light switches with dimmers can often cause problems, especially if they aren’t compatible with the type of bulb you’re using. If you suspect the switch is to blame, wiggle it back and forth—if it corresponds with the flickering, you’ll know it’s time to swap it for a more effective model.
Loose or Dead Bulbs
Have you ever had a string of Christmas lights go dead because of one loose bulb? Well, it’s a problem that can persist in the rest of your home long after the holiday season has passed.
Luckily, it’s simple to fix loose bulbs. With a gloved hand, gently tighten the bulb. If it still flickers after it’s tightened, you may need to switch it out with an entirely new bulb.
When Flickering Lights Are a Bigger Issue
If the lights in your home are flickering in a larger concentrated area or throughout the entire home, it’s likely indicative of a bigger problem. These issues will typically require the assistance of an electrician.
Problem With a Circuit
If all the lights in a certain room or cluster of rooms are flickering, there’s a high chance it’s due to a problem with the circuit.
You may also notice that lights flicker when a larger appliance is first turned on or running. If the flickering is light and minimal only when the appliance is turning on, it’s likely not a big issue. However, if it persists, there’s probably a problem with the circuit that the lights and appliance are running on.
Neighborhood-Wide Flickering
It doesn’t matter if you live in a neighborhood of ranchers or townhouses—this type of light flickering issue can strike any home. If you have neighbors who are also experiencing light flickering, it’s likely due to an issue with your electric company. In this case, the only solution is to consult with your electric company about the problem.
Faulty Electrical Panel and Loose Wiring
If the lights in your entire house have been flickering, it’s likely due to a problem with the electrical panel in your home. It’s important to have an electrician evaluate if the service conductors in the central electrical panel are loose.
Additionally, if you suspect loose wiring is at fault, you should also consult with an electrician. Loose wiring is a fire hazard, so you shouldn’t attempt to fix it on your own.
Solving the Problem
Flickering lights can be worrisome, but it’s manageable with the right information. Whether you find you can solve it your own or with the help of an electrician, the guide above will help you evaluate your own flickering light issue at home.
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