What Causes Flickering Lights?

Flickering lights at your home or business can be a subtle nuisance, but they can also make it feel like a harrowing walk through a horror home. Worse, they might be a symptom of more pressing electrical issues.

It makes sense for property owners, and even the curious learner, to wonder what causes flickering lights. Sure, Mr. Electric can handle the flickering light repair – but what is the reason for the flickering lights anyway?

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we’re not only going into the causes of flickering lights. We’ll also explore the likely issues in LED and incandescent bulbs, separately. If you ever need a certified electrician, you can call Mr. Electric for professional service.

The Usual Suspects in Flickering Lights

Flickering lights can feel like a mystery, but there are a few usual suspects to consider. Some are harmless, and others might need a professional’s touch. Let’s break it down.

1.     Loose Bulbs: Sometimes, the answer is as simple as a loose lightbulb. If your bulb isn’t screwed in tightly, it can cause an inconsistent connection (which leads to flickering). This is especially common with incandescent bulbs. If it’s an LED bulb, make sure it’s properly seated in its socket.

2.     Faulty Light Switches: If your lights flicker when you flip the switch, the problem might be the switch itself. Over time, switches can wear out or become loose. A quick part replacement can have you back on schedule.

3.     Voltage Fluctuations: If your lights dim or flicker when you turn on a high-power appliance like your air conditioner, then your home’s electrical system might be struggling to handle the load.This is more common in older homesnot equipped to handle modern energy demands.

4.     Overloaded Circuits: Imagine trying to run a marathon while carrying a fridge. If you’ve got too many devices running on the same circuit, it can cause your lights to flicker. If you can’t move some devices to another room, then a circuit installation will help a lot.

5.     Loose Wiring: The flickering lights is the least of your worries if there’s loose wiring. Faulty wiring can lead to electrical fires, and they should be fixed as soon as possible.

Sometimes the issue is with the electrical system; other times there’s something wrong with the lighting installation itself. If you need help narrowing down the probabilities, then call Mr. Electric to get in touch.

LED vs. Incandescent: Does It Matter?

Older homes from the 20th century typically use incandescent lights, but even many of those have updated to LED lights. This is because LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting. Still, even LED can flicker.

Incandescent bulbs are sensitive to changes in power and more likely to flicker due to voltage fluctuations. They also naturally flicker as they burn out. LEDs last longer, but cheap or defective ones with a low-quality driver can still flicker.

When It’s Not Just You: Greer’s Power Grid & Utility Issues

Sometimes, the cause of flickering lights isn’t your concern at all. If your neighbors are also experiencing flickering, the problem might be with the Greer power grid or your local utility company. Power surges, voltage fluctuations, or even failing transformers can all cause lights to flicker across an entire neighborhood.

When to Call in the Pros at Mr. Electric

Look, we get it: nobody wants to call an local electrician unless they have to – but flickering lights can be more than just annoying;they can be early warning signs of serious electrical issues. Call Mr. Electric for flickering light repair if:

• Flickering affects multiple lights or rooms.
• You hear buzzing sounds from outlets or your breaker box.
• You smell burning or smoky odors near electrical panels.
• Flickering gets worse over time.

The team of dedicated electricians at Mr. Electric are happy to take your call or message today, tonight, tomorrow, or whenever you need. We are proud to serve Greer, SC and surrounding areas.