It’s normal for lights to flicker on occasion. Yet, if you have flickering lights on a regular basis, it could be a sign of a larger problem. For example, you may need to replace a light switch if it’s always the same bulb that flickers.
We’ll talk about what else causes lights to flicker and dim and what over signs to look for. Whether you have a problem or just some questions, our electrical contractors in Lowell, MI, are ready to help.
Old Electrical System
Is your house over 50 years old? If so, the electrical system may not be able to handle your household’s energy usage. It takes a significant amount of energy to power all the appliances and devices we use today. As a result, you may notice dimming or flickering lights when you plug something into an electrical outlet.
If your lights flicker once in a while, you may have nothing to worry about. Yet, you should call one of our local electricians if you smell something burning. You should also call our electrical contractors if your circuit breaker trips often. We may recommend upgrading the electrical panel which is important for your safety and security.
Faulty Light Switch
Is it always the same light bulb that flickers? Do you feel like you have strobe lights because they flicker so much? Our electricians may recommend replacing the light switch. Since you use light switches every day, they wear out over time.
At best, a light switch that doesn’t work is annoying. At worse, a worn light switch can give off sparks and start an electrical fire. Whatever the case may be, call our electrical contractors today for your safety and peace of mind.
Faulty Appliances
Pay attention to when the lights flicker and dim. For example, your vacuum may be faulty if it makes your lights flicker every time you plug it into the wall outlet. When an appliance starts to fail, it can send a surge of electricity through the circuit. This often makes the lights flicker or trips the circuit breaker.
Don’t underestimate how dangerous faulty appliances can be to your home! You’re better off replacing a faulty vacuum cleaner than starting a fire by accident. Even if your circuit breaker trips, it may not be enough to prevent plastic outlet covers from melting. Call us immediately if you smell something burning from your electrical outlets.
Help! My LED Lights are Flickering!
Do your lights flicker when you use a dimmer switch? Unlike traditional bulbs, LED lights don’t have heated filaments. This means that your LED light bulbs will turn on and off with the power supply. To fix this problem, hire our electricians to install dimmer switches for LED bulbs.
We also have experience upgrading homes with LED light bulbs. LED lights are perfect for rooms that have a high ceiling or receive a lot of foot traffic, like a kitchen, dining room, or living room. The cost of LED lights has dropped over time, making them accessible to more homeowners.
Request a Visit
Still have questions? Our residential electricians in Lowell, MI are ready to fix any dimming or flickering lights in your home. We’ll make sure that your home’s electrical system is safe and up to code, giving you peace of mind. To request a service visit, call Flat River Electric at (616) 987-0596.
This blog post has been edited.