At some point, you probably saw your lights flickering, right? It may seem like no big deal, but it could actually be a sign of some sneaky electrical issues. And get this: if you don’t deal with them, you might end up wasting energy and seeing your utility bills go up.
From loose wires to overloaded circuits, there are several potential causes behind flickering lights. But figuring out the real problem and fixing it is super important to keep your home safe and your energy bills in check.
Warning About DIY Electrical Work
You might be tempted to roll up your sleeves and tackle this yourself. But while changing a light bulb is no big deal, messing with more complicated electrical stuff can be seriously dangerous if you don’t have proper training. You could start a fire, get shocked, or even make things worse,
That’s why it’s way better to call the pros for the tricky electrical repair. If you’re in Orlando, FL, our Service Minds Mister Sparky folks know their stuff. We’ve handled circuit repair and other electrical issues for years. We can figure out what’s up with your flickering lights and fix any other electrical problems driving up your energy use.
What Can Cause Flickering Lights?
So what’s causing your lights to flicker? Let’s break it down:
Loose Wires
Loose wiring is a common reason for flickering lights. When wires aren’t connected right, electricity can get all wonky, making your lights flicker. Plus, it’s a fire hazard and wastes energy.
If you suspect loose wiring, it’s best to contact an electrician.
Overloaded Circuits
Ever tried to plug too many things into one outlet? A circuit can only handle so much power. When you try to plug too many devices into the same circuit, it’s a recipe for flickering lights. That’s because the circuit is overloaded, dropping the system voltage.
You’ll find circuit overload, most commonly in older homes with outdated electrical systems. And do we need to say that this issue shoots up power consumption, and taking care of it can help lower your energy bills?
Voltage Problems
If your voltage is all over the place, your lights might flicker and burn out faster. This can happen because of internal electrical problems or supply issues from your utility provider.
So, if you notice your home voltage fluctuating, keep an eye out so you don’t deal with lighting inefficiency or be knocked sideways with high energy consumption.
Dimmer Switch Drama
Are you using the wrong kind of bulbs with your dimmer switch? That could be why your lights are freaking out. Dimmer switches can create flickering if they aren’t compatible with the bulbs they control. For example, regular bulbs may not work well with dimmers.
The best way to solve this dilemma is to switch to dimmable LED bulbs. This will also improve your energy use, as LEDs are more efficient than regular incandescent bulbs.
Wrong Bulb Wattage
Wrong bulb wattage is another culprit. Always check that the bulb’s wattage matches your fixtures to avoid problems. Using the wrong ones can cause flickering and waste energy.
If the bulb’s wattage exceeds the fixture’s rating, it can lead to poor performance and a shorter lifespan for the bulb.
Old Bulbs or Faulty Light Bulbs
Sometimes, flickering is simply caused by an old or faulty bulb. As bulbs age, they may flicker before burning out completely.
A quick, easy fix? Replace the worn-out bulb and save on energy.
Outdated or Aged Wiring
Older homes often have outdated wiring that can’t handle modern electrical demands. Aged wiring can lead to flickering lights and inefficient energy use.
If your home’s getting up there in years, the wiring might not be able to handle all your modern gadgets. So, it’s time for an upgrade.
What Is the Impact on Energy Bills?
All the issues here can seriously mess with your energy bills, making your electricity use go haywire. Let’s explore them specifically.
Faulty Wiring
If you have damaged or poorly maintained wiring, this can increase your energy consumption. Faulty wires interrupt electricity flow, making your lights flicker and wasting energy.
Common signs of faulty wiring include tripped circuit breakers, buzzing lights, or discolored outlets. Do you want to prevent rising utility bills and potential hazards? Then, address faulty wiring as soon as you can.
Power-Hungry Appliances
Power-hungry appliances (the ones that consume a lot of electricity) can produce flickering lights if they’re running on the same circuit as your lights. Large appliances like air conditioners or fridges draw significant power and can lead to voltage drops.
A smart way to deal with this is by separating high-energy appliances into different circuits. This way, you can prevent flickering and use less energy.
Extreme Weather
Extreme weather, including storms or heavy winds, affects your home’s electrical wiring, too. They can cause power fluctuations that lead to flickering lights. For example, in very hot or cold weather, wires can expand or contract during these natural events. This may temporarily reduce the voltage supplied to your home, causing lights to flicker.
While you can’t control the weather, protecting your home’s wiring from the elements can help reduce the impact of storms on your electrical system. So, during weather changes, keep an eye on your wiring. This can help prevent energy loss due to faulty connections.
Power Surges
Power surges can cause more than just flickering lights; they can also damage your electrical devices. Surges happen when there’s a sudden spike in voltage, which can harm sensitive electronics and lead to energy waste.
In this case, you should get some surge protectors to keep your stuff safe.
How to Fix Flickering Lights in Orlando: Service Minds Mister Sparky
Flickering lights aren’t just annoying; they could be a sign that your electrical system isn’t working as well as it should. And that means you could be throwing money away on wasted energy.
If you’ve got flickering lights, don’t just ignore them. Get a pro to take a look. They can figure out what’s going on and help you get things running smoothly again.
Remember, if you’re in Orlando, FL, our Service Minds Mister Sparky team is always ready to help. Whether those pesky flickering lights or any other electrical issues, we’ve got you covered. Why not give us a call? We promise your wallet (and peace of mind) will thank you. Plus, we’re on time or you don’t pay a dime. So you have nothing to lose.