Why Do Lights Flicker in My Home?

Homeowners Often Ask Us…

Flickering lights are more than just an annoyance — they can be a sign of deeper electrical issues that need attention. Some causes are harmless, while others can point to more serious wiring or load problems. Below, we answer the most common questions we hear, with practical advice and technical insight.

❓ Q: What causes lights to flicker occasionally?

Short Answer:
Occasional flickering usually happens when large appliances (like your A/C or fridge) cycle on and off, creating a brief voltage drop.

More In-Depth:
This type of flicker is often tied to inrush current — the initial surge of electricity a motorized appliance draws when it starts. If the appliance shares a circuit with lighting, that temporary voltage dip can cause lights to dim or flicker. While this isn’t dangerous on its own, repeated dimming can reduce the life span of lightbulbs and may signal that your circuits are poorly balanced or that your panel is nearing capacity.

❓ Q: Why do only some lights flicker — not all of them?

Short Answer:
If flickering is isolated to specific rooms or fixtures, it’s likely a circuit-specific issue like a loose connection or bad switch.

More In-Depth:
Each room or section of your home is wired to different branch circuits. If only one area flickers, the issue may be with a loose wire at a terminal, a worn dimmer switch, or even corrosion at the fixture connection. In older homes, aging wiring or backstabbed (vs. side-wired) connections can also create intermittent contact, leading to flicker. Testing voltage at the outlet or switch box while the lights are flickering can reveal poor connections.

❓ Q: What if all the lights in my home flicker at once?

Short Answer:
This could signal a serious issue with your main service connection or even utility-side problems.

More In-Depth:
Whole-house flickering typically points to problems before your panel — such as loose service conductors, an aging meter base, or unstable voltage from the utility transformer. These issues can create irregular voltage levels, which not only affect lighting but also put stress on appliances and electronics. If the flicker correlates with neighborhood power fluctuations, the issue may lie with your power provider. If not, your main panel or service entrance might need inspection for loose lugs or oxidation at connection points.

❓ Q: Can LED bulbs cause flickering on their own?

Short Answer:
Yes — some LEDs aren’t compatible with older dimmers or wiring.

More In-Depth:
Many LED flickering problems come from incompatible dimmer switches. LEDs require electronic (ELV) or trailing-edge dimmers, not traditional ones designed for incandescent bulbs. Additionally, low-quality LEDs may flicker due to poor internal drivers that don’t handle small voltage fluctuations well. Even without dimmers, flickering can occur if you’re on circuits with noisy power or inconsistent neutral grounding.

❓ Q: Should I worry about flickering lights?

Short Answer:
It depends. If it’s new, frequent, or worsening, it’s worth investigating.

More In-Depth:
Flickering that’s getting worse — especially when combined with buzzing outlets, warm switches, or a burning smell — should be addressed immediately. These can be signs of arcing, overheating wires, or a failing breaker, which are serious fire risks. A licensed electrician can diagnose the issue using voltage meters, load testers, and thermal cameras to pinpoint where voltage is dropping or contact is failing.

🔧 Final Tip:

If your home’s lights have always flickered a bit, but it’s getting worse, it could be time for an electrical panel upgrade or a load balancing assessment.