Flickering Lights and How You Can Fix Them
You’re sitting at home, maybe reading or watching TV, when suddenly the lamp beside you starts to dance. A quick flash, then another. Flickering lights are one of those things that feel small at first—easy to ignore, almost easy to joke about. But after a while, it gets under your skin. You start wondering, is it just a bulb, or is it something serious?
I’ve been in dozens of homes where homeowners tried to live with it. Sometimes it was a quick fix, sometimes it was the symptom of something bigger. Let’s break down the common causes and what you can actually do about it.
Loose Bulbs and Simple Fixes
Start with the easy stuff. A loose bulb can cause flickering lights because the connection isn’t steady. Heat makes metal expand and contract, and over time, the bulb just doesn’t sit as tight. A simple twist can solve it.
The same goes for certain types of bulbs. Fluorescents and some LEDs naturally flicker a little when they start, especially in colder rooms. That’s more of a quirk than a danger.
Faulty Switches and Dimmers
I once had a customer in Albuquerque whose dining room light flickered every time they used the dimmer. They thought the wiring was haunted. Turns out, the dimmer wasn’t compatible with the new LED bulbs they’d installed. Changing the switch fixed everything.
If the switch feels loose or crackles when you flip it, that’s another red flag. Bad contacts mean poor connections, and poor connections lead to flickering lights.
Overloaded Circuits
Have you ever noticed the lights flicker when the microwave kicks on, or when the AC unit starts? That’s a sign of an overloaded circuit. Appliances that draw a lot of power can cause voltage dips, which show up as flickering lights in other parts of the house. This isn’t something to brush off. It’s your home telling you the wiring is straining under the load.
Wiring Problems
Now we’re getting into the serious stuff. Loose or faulty wiring can cause lights to flicker, and it’s one of the leading causes of electrical fires. Sometimes it’s an outlet that’s worn out, sometimes it’s splices in the wall that aren’t secure. Either way, if you hear buzzing, smell burning, or see consistent flickers in multiple rooms, call an electrician immediately.
Utility Issues Outside the Home
Not every problem is inside your house. Power surges or grid issues can make entire neighborhoods deal with flickering lights. I’ve seen it during storms and also on hot summer days when everyone’s blasting their AC. If your neighbors mention the same problem, the utility company might already be working on it.
DIY or Call a Pro?
It’s tempting to handle everything yourself. But the line is pretty clear.
- Loose bulbs or mismatched switches? Try fixing those yourself.
- System-wide flickering, overloaded circuits, or damaged wiring? That’s time to call in the pros.
Electricity isn’t something to gamble with. A bad connection can heat up faster than you realize.
A Quick Story
A homeowner once told me, “The lights have been flickering for months, but we just thought it was old wiring.” When we checked, one of their outlets had nearly burned through behind the wall. They were lucky it hadn’t sparked into something worse.
That’s why we tell folks: don’t ignore the signs. Flickering lights aren’t just an annoyance. Sometimes they’re the first hint of a real danger.
How to Prevent Future Flickers
- Use the right bulbs for your fixtures and dimmers.
- Don’t overload circuits—spread out appliances when possible.
- Replace worn switches and outlets before they cause bigger problems.
- Schedule an electrical inspection every few years, especially in older homes.
Prevention costs less than emergency repairs.
Why Stubbornly Honest Electricians Make the Difference
You’ll hear a lot of promises in this trade. At the end of the day, you want someone who doesn’t sugarcoat. That’s why we call ourselves Stubbornly honest electricians. If the problem is just a loose bulb, we’ll tell you. If it’s dangerous wiring that needs repair, we’ll show you exactly what’s going on. No games. No gimmicks. Just the truth about your home’s safety.
FAQ
Are flickering lights dangerous?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Loose bulbs aren’t dangerous. Damaged wiring is. The trick is knowing which one you’re dealing with.
Why do lights flicker when the AC starts?
Large appliances draw heavy current, causing a brief voltage dip. If it’s severe or consistent, have the circuit checked.
Can bad light switches cause flickering?
Yes. Worn or faulty switches can create weak connections that show up as flickers.
Do LED bulbs flicker more than older bulbs?
Sometimes. Cheap LEDs or incompatible dimmers often cause more flickering than standard bulbs.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Living with flickering lights isn’t just annoying. It can be unsafe. From loose bulbs to overloaded circuits, the causes vary, but the outcome’s the same—your home is trying to tell you something.
If you’ve tried the basics and the problem keeps coming back, call the pros. Let the Stubbornly honest electricians take a look, explain what’s really going on, and fix it the right way. Because at the end of the day, you deserve lights that don’t just turn on—you deserve lights you can trust.
