Lights Flickering in the House — What’s Causing It & How To Fix It

When you’re trying to relax at home or get ready for the day, flickering lights are probably the last thing you want to deal with. The causes can range from small to major, but either way, it’s something you’ll want to fix.

Learn how to know when it’s a DIY job and when it’s something you should leave for a professional electrician.

Reasons for Lights Flickering in Your House

What Causes House Lights To Flicker?

There are many potential causes for flickering lights, which means you’ll have to troubleshoot the problem a little to find the cause. Here are common reasons why your lights might be flickering.

Poor Wiring

If the wiring in your home is old and/or hasn’t been properly maintained, it could be making your lights flicker, particularly if the wiring isn’t grounded properly. If the wiring in your home isn’t properly grounded, it can cause excessive current flow in the wiring, which can cause flickering lights. Loose ground wires are a very common reason for lights in a home to flicker.

Wiring Issues

Aside from poor wiring, issues that are inherent to the wiring in your home can also cause flickering lights. Electrical wiring issues most commonly happen with age, but they can also happen as a result of high usage.

Light Fixture Issues

Your light fixtures may be causing your lights to flicker, especially if you have an older home. Older light fixtures may cause flickering lights if the wiring inside them is worn out due to use.

When the Lightbulb Isn’t the Problem, Check the Wiring

If replacing the lightbulb doesn’t correct the problem, you may want to replace the wiring inside the light fixture. If it’s an antique, it may be worth taking the time to have the wiring replaced.

Have a Professional Electrician Evaluate Your Home

If you’ve tried troubleshooting the problem and you’re still dealing with a light that flickers, you may want to have a professional electrician take a look at your home’s wiring. The licensed electricians at Dean’s Home Services are experienced with troubleshooting electrical issues in the Twin Cities.

Electrical issues are often easy to spot, but they can be dangerous. That’s why it’s best to leave electrical issues to the professionals.

A professional electrician can look at your wiring and let you know if there are any issues. They can also let you know if there are things you can do to reduce the likelihood of dealing with flickering lights in the future.

Flickering lights can be a real annoyance, and when you’re able to tell the difference between a minor and a major problem, you can save yourself from a major disaster.

Contact Dean’s Home Services today to learn more and schedule electrical services.