Have you ever been sitting in your living room, minding your own business, when your lights suddenly start flickering for no apparent reason? It can be a headache, especially if it happens frequently. But there are some clear reasons why your lights might be flickering, and some of the causes might surprise you. Let’s take a deeper look at these causes and what you can do to fix them.
1. Loose bulb:
One of the simplest reasons why your lights might flicker is just a loose bulb. Make sure that your bulb is screwed in tightly, and if you notice the flickering continues, then try replacing the bulb altogether.
2. Loose plug connection:
Another possible cause of flickering lights is simply a loose plug connection. Check that the plug is inserted firmly and securely.
3. Voltage fluctuations in your home:
Sometimes, flickering can be because of voltage fluctuations in your home. This can occur when you’re using several major appliances simultaneously. For instance, if your air conditioning unit turns on while you’re using the microwave, it could overload your system momentarily. One way to tell if you’re experiencing this type of flickering is by seeing if the flickering is happening in tandem with certain appliances turning on or off.
4. Overloaded circuit:
Overloading your circuit is another common problem that can lead to flickering lights. If you have too many appliances connected to a single circuit, especially during active usage, this could lead to the whole system being overloaded, and lights might start flickering. Avoid overloading circuits by utilizing a second one for a specific set of uses.
5. Old or loose wiring:
Your wiring could be contributing to the problem if you have an older home. Over time, wires can loosen or become corroded, which can lead to flickering. In some cases, old wires can even become dangerous, leading to short circuits or electrical fires. It’s best to assess your wiring and let an electrician take a look.
6. Arcing:
Arcing is the light and heat produced when electricity jumps from one cable to another. It’s a common cause of electrical problems, including flickering lights. Having loose or damaged wires can produce arcing, resulting in flickering.
7. Problem with utility company’s connection to the home:
It’s also possible that the problem is not in your home wiring at all but in the utility company’s connection to your home. If your neighbor is experiencing flickering lights, too, it could be an issue with the power supply from the utility company. Call the electric company and report the problem and they’ll be able to assist further and advise on possible power outages or solutions.
8. High usage on the grid/high energy demand:
If you’re in an area that has high energy demand, especially during certain seasons or situations like summer heat waves, it’s possible that this could cause flickering. This usually occurs when the grid has too much energy demand, and there isn’t enough power to go around.
Don’t let flickering lights be a nuisance of your everyday living. There can be several reasons why your lights might flicker, but it’s often solvable. Carolina Cool has expert electricians on staff that specialize in providing electrical solutions for your home. They can help solve your flickering light issue and advise you on how to prevent it from happening in the future. Contact Carolina Cool today to schedule an appointment to diagnose your electrical issues.
