Written by: Emily Joswiak • November 22, 2022• Home

Why the Lights in Your Home May Be Flickering

When you turn on a light or lamp in your home, do you sometimes notice the light flickers? Here are some of the probable causes and how you can fix them.

Faulty lighting can have a few different side effects. You may notice peculiar buzzing sounds or your lights flickering in erratic patterns, for instance. If you’re unsure why the lights in your home may be flickering, it’s a good idea to investigate some of these common causes and ensure your lighting fixtures are in working order.

Bulb Issues

Issues with the lightbulbs are some of the most common causes of flickering lights. Thankfully, they’re also some of the easiest to fix. The first thing to test is if you have the bulb screwed in tight enough. If the problem persists, you may want to ensure the bulb’s wattage matches the fixture. Also, if your lights use a dimmer switch, your light bulbs may not function with them. Many LED bulbs are incompatible with dimmers.

Overloaded Circuit

Another reason why the lights in your home may flicker is due to an overload in the circuit. Do you notice that problems with the lights occur when running certain appliances or other devices? If the flickering is a consistent problem, you may want to consult an electrician to check the circuits and see what may be overloading your electrical service.

Loose Cables or Wires

One of the largest causes of electrical issues comes from outdated or loose wires. If the flickering light is in a lamp, you may be able to check the power cable. See if there are any disconnections or if wiggling the chord affects the light at all. If the problems with the light are from the lamp itself, you may want to try plugging in another light or electronic device in the same outlet to try to pinpoint the source of the problem. For built-in fixtures, loose wires or ones that have become frayed with age may be the culprits.

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