Why Are My Lights Flickering?

There is nothing more uneasy than being home alone with flickering lights. The situation can feel eerie and uncomfortable! With Trahan’s Heating & Cooling on your side, you can have all the help you need to determine why your lights are flickering. Read ahead to learn a few potential causes for flashing lights in your home!

Common Causes Of Flickering Lights

Flashing lights may not seem like a major cause for concern. However, the blinking may indicate a problem with your electrical system. There are a few reasons why your lights may not be functioning correctly, many of which a repair company can correct.

Loose Light Bulbs

Loose light bulbs are a common explanation for flickering lighting. To check for a loose light bulb, make sure you have the light switch turned off and that the bulb is not hot or warm to the touch. Once the bulb is cooled, twist it clockwise until it locks into place. If it’s loose, it will twist completely into place.

Once you tighten the bulb, chances are it will not flicker anymore. If it was loose in the socket, it would not receive a consistent power source, causing the flicker. By tightening the bulb up, you can give it the consistent source of energy it needs to shine.

Different Types Of Light Bulbs

Another cause for flickering could be dependent on the type of light bulb you are using. This is another easy fix!

Fluorescent light bulbs can flash in some cases. When the temperature gets colder, which may happen on the occasional winter night, fluorescent lights can flicker. To avoid this, you can switch them out for a different type of light bulb until the weather grows warmer.

Another issue that may cause this is if you are using LED or fluorescent bulbs with dimmers that are not compatible. If you are using conventional dimmer switches, LED and fluorescent bulbs tend to flicker. The best type to use with these switches is incandescent or halogen bulbs.

Circuit Overload

Pay attention to when your light bulbs are flickering – is it when you use an appliance like a hair dryer, microwave or blender? If your lights only flicker when electronic devices are being used, then chances are you have a circuit overload.

If this happens every so often for a couple of seconds, then it shouldn’t be anything to worry about. However, if it happens every time, then you should consider upgrading your electrical circuits or installing new ones.

Loose Wires

If you can’t find a source for your light flickering issues, then it may be an internal problem caused by a loose wire in the electrical circuit. This is a serious problem and also a fire hazard. If you think loose wires may be the cause, you should call for professional assistance! Trahan’s Heating & Cooling can help correct this hazardous issue.

Change In Voltage

Your home’s voltage range should always be within the range of 110 volts to 120 volts. While it is normal to fluctuate slightly, you will need the help of a professional if it changes significantly. A few signs of a voltage change in your home are:

• Light bulbs burning out quicker than usual
• Lights dimming unexpectedly
• Blinking lights when large appliances are turned on
• Flickering continues after devices are turned off
• Appliances shutting off unexpectedly

Electrical issues aren’t something you should attempt to fix on your own. One of our professional electricians can handle the problem and provide a long-lasting solution!

Reliable Electrical Repairs To Correct Flickering Lights

If you have any of these issues in your home and need assistance, contact Trahan’s Heating & Cooling! Our professionals are prepared to help keep your home flicker-free! Reach out to us today to schedule your next electrical repair service.