You’re settling in to relax at the end of a long day, and all of a sudden, your lights start to flicker. It’s a major annoyance, but could it also be a sign of greater electrical issues? Unfortunately, lights that flicker at night are not uncommon, and they occur for a variety of reasons.
In this article, the electrical experts at F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical discuss why lights flicker at night, along with DIY solutions and recommendations for when to call a professional.
What Causes Flickering Lights?
Flickering lights generally mean an unsteady electrical current. This can be due to a wide range of issues, including an inconsistent power supply, weak connections, overloaded circuits, or faulty components. Homeowners can look for patterns to help troubleshoot or identify the issue. For example, an irregular flicker in a single light is likely a bulb or socket issue, whereas flickering when using larger appliances could signal an overloaded circuit.
Why Your Lights Only Flicker at Night
Lights tend to flicker at night as electrical demand changes after dark. From dimming lights to greater strain on the neighborhood electrical grid, there are a variety of common causes for this issue.
Bulb and Dimmer Incompatibility
Evenings tend to be when homeowners opt for dimmer, less harsh lighting. However, new LED bulbs can’t always be paired with older dimmer switches. These switches send inconsistent voltage to your LED bulb, causing a visible flicker.
Loose Wiring or Panel Issues
Loose connections at a fixture, outlet, switch, or electrical panel can result in intermittent power flow, causing lights to flicker. This can be dangerous and leave you at risk for overheating and sparks.
Overloaded Circuits
If your evening routine includes watching TV, running the dishes, and using your HVAC to get your home to the optimal sleeping temperature, you may have an overloaded circuit that causes lights to flicker. This is often more significant when multiple high-draw devices are working at the same time.
Neighborhood Electrical Load
When all the lights in your home are flickering, there’s a good chance that the issue is with the neighborhood grid. Power demands on your street can cause dips in voltage, especially when many households are actively cooking, cleaning, and more.
Grid Voltage Fluctuations
Some flickering lights are the result of temporary fluctuations in voltage supplied by your utility company. This can occur due to sudden changes in demand, utility equipment issues, weather, and more.
When To Call An Electrician About Flickering Lights
Homeowners can safely troubleshoot some of these issues by replacing bulbs, checking for loose sockets, and reducing simultaneous use of large appliances. However, if this does not solve the problem, it’s time to seek a licensed electrician for help. Frequent or worsening flickering requires a professional inspection, as issues like frayed wiring or overheating can put your home and family in danger.
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Why Choose Us?
Receive an accurate diagnosis for the cause of your flickering lights by calling F.H. Furr today. Our team of licensed and insured electricians is “Absolutely The Best” and offers comprehensive electrical services throughout the area. From reliable repairs to thorough inspections, we ensure the overall safety of your home with flat-rate pricing and industry-exclusive guarantees.
Schedule your electrical inspection by contacting F.H. Furr today!
