Flickering lights can be unsettling. Whether it’s a loose bulb or your everyday poltergeist, blinking or faulty lighting can be a nuisance. It can also be a sign of a deeper issue, one that threatens the safety of your home and your family.

In fact, one of the main causes of house fires is loose wiring. And loose wiring can present itself as flickering lights. If that’s the case, you’ll need a complete diagnostic to assess the danger and what needs to be addressed. A Mister Sparky electrician will not only try to fix the immediate problem of the flickering light but will inspect the home thoroughly to ensure that there is no presence of loose wiring anywhere else in the home.

Here are some common causes for flickering lights:

  • Light Bulbs – If you notice the lights flickering in your home, look at the bulb. It is possible that the bulb is not screwed in all the way, is burning out, or is faulty. Try replacing the bulb. If it works, then that was most likely the problem.
  • Dimmer Switches - Considerswitching to smart bulbs. If flickering happens when using a dimmer switch, try using smart bulbs that don't need a physical dimmer switch. Dimming through the bulb is more reliable and often solves dimming problems caused by old fashioned switches or aged wiring. If replacing the bulb doesn't solve the problem, you may need a new switch.
  • Power Surges – A power surge in your home is one of the many reasons your light may be flickering. Do you notice that lights flicker every time the AC unit kicks on? If the answer is yes, then this is an everyday surge and not a safety concern. You may have an issue if your lights continue to flicker when no additional appliances are running.
  • Wiring – The wiring in your home may also be the source of the problem. It may be that one of the wires is loose or damaged. In these cases, you will have to contact a professional to assist you with your issue.

Problems like these can not only damage your lighting or appliances, but can put your home at risk of an electrical fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, house fires still occur in over 1 million American homes each year, which result in billions of dollars’ worth of damages, serious injury or death. The devastating toll of house fires serves as a reminder for us to be extra cautious when inspecting a home with the presence of flickering lights.

Hold off on blaming Casper! If you are currently experiencing flickering lights in your home, don’t sit on it. We have a team of dedicated electricians ready to take care of your needs.

Our hope is that you will take the presence of flickering lights seriously and have a professional inspect your home. At Mister Sparky, our primary concern is the safety of you and your family.

Check out what our "Malarky Busters," Jane and Pete, have to say about Flickering Lights!