In the Southeast, where older homes with outdated wiring and heavy summer storms test electrical systems daily, flickering lights might mean trouble. Lee Company has been helping homeowners across Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia with expert electrical services, and we don’t want you to feel left in the dark. If you’ve been wondering, “Why are my lights flickering? Is it something I need to worry about?” we’ve got answers.

Let’s explore what’s causing your lights to flicker, how to fix it, and when to call the experts at Lee Company.

Loose Light Bulb

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the right one. A loose light bulb is one of the most common answers to the question, “What causes lights to flicker?” If the bulb isn’t securely screwed into the socket, the electrical connection becomes inconsistent, leading to flickering.

It’s an easy fix, but ignoring it can lead to frustration or even premature bulb burnout.

How to Troubleshoot a Loose Bulb

1. Turn off the power: For safety, always switch off the light or circuit before handling the bulb.
2. Tighten the bulb: Gently twist the bulb clockwise until snug.
3. Replace the bulb if needed: If flickering continues after tightening, swap it for a new one.

A loose bulb might seem trivial, but it’s a quick fix that can restore consistent light to your home. This small step is a good place to start before exploring more complex causes of flickering lights.

Bulb Compatibility Issues

Not all light bulbs are compatible with every fixture. If you notice inconsistent brightness or flickering lights, the problem might not be the bulb itself but its compatibility.

Modern bulbs like LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) are energy-efficient but can cause problems when paired with older fixtures or dimmer switches not designed for them. This mismatch often leads to an annoying strobe effect.

How to Troubleshoot Bulb Compatibility

• Check the label or base: Look for compatibility details on the bulb’s packaging or the base of the bulb itself. If no information is available, check the fixture for wattage limits or type recommendations.
• Replace incompatible bulbs: Opt for “dimmable” LEDs or other bulbs explicitly designed for your fixture or dimmer system.

Choosing the correct bulb for your setup can mean the difference between a cozy, well-lit home and flickering lights that drive you up the wall.

Faulty Light Switch

Have you ever had to wiggle a light switch just right to get the overhead light to cooperate? Light switches don’t last forever. Over time, they can wear out or loosen, disrupting the flow of electricity to your bulb.

How to Troubleshoot a Faulty Switch

• Test the switch: Flip it on and off several times while watching the light.
• Inspect for signs of damage: Replace the switch if it feels loose, makes a crackling sound, or sparks when you use it.

If the flickering is isolated to one fixture or one room, a faulty switch might be the issue.

Voltage Fluctuations

Here in Tennessee, the familiar hum of an HVAC system powering up often comes with an unwelcome side effect: flickering lights. High-demand appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines draw a lot of electricity when they cycle on, causing temporary dips in voltage. These fluctuations disrupt the steady current needed to keep your lights shining brightly.

Voltage fluctuations can be frustrating, but they’re also a sign your system might be overworked. Ignoring them could lead to bigger risks, including overheated circuits or even house fires.

Over 51,000 residential electrical fires occur annually due to electrical issues. Dealing with them promptly keeps your lights steady and protects your home and family from potential dangers.

How to Troubleshoot Voltage Fluctuations

• Note the timing: Pay attention to when the flickering occurs. Does it happen when large appliances turn on?
• Stagger appliance use: Avoid running multiple high-demand appliances simultaneously.
• Consult a professional: If the problem persists, contact a licensed Lee Company electrician to inspect your system and discuss upgrades like a higher-capacity electrical panel.

Wiring Issues or Loose Connections

Flickering lights may seem harmless, but when the root cause is faulty wiring, the risks can be severe. Loose or damaged wiring can interrupt electrical circuits, causing inconsistent power and, in worst-case scenarios, fire hazards. In fact, home electrical fires account for nearly 500 deaths, injure over 1,400 individuals, and lead to $1.3 billion in property damage.

This issue is especially concerning in old homes, where outdated or deteriorating wiring is more common. Loose connections can also occur in junction boxes, outlets, or the wiring within light fixtures themselves.

If you’re dealing with multiple lights flickering in your house, it’s often a sign of a deeper electrical system issue that needs immediate attention.

How to Troubleshoot Wiring Issues

• Inspect visible wiring: Look for frayed, damaged, or discolored wires in inaccessible areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces.
• Avoid DIY fixes: Handling wiring can be extremely dangerous. Contact a licensed Lee Company electrician to evaluate and repair any issues.

Problems with Electrical Panel

The electrical panel is your home’s power manager, routing energy from the utility company to every room and circuit in your house. It ensures electricity flows safely to your appliances, outlets, and light fixtures.

Over time, panels can wear out or become overwhelmed by increased demand. Outdated breakers or overloaded circuits may lead to inconsistent power delivery and flickering lights.

Arcing faults, where electrical current jumps across a gap, are a frequent issue in aging systems and cause over 28,000 fires annually in houses across the U.S.

How to Troubleshoot Electrical Panel Issues

• Check for tripped breakers: Open the panel and look for any breakers that are in the “off” position or partially tripped. Reset them by switching them fully off and then back on.
• Monitor for patterns: If breakers frequently trip or lights flicker across multiple rooms, your panel may need an upgrade.
• Call in the experts: If your issue persists, contact Lee Company to inspect your panel or discuss an upgrade.

If you’re considering a panel upgrade, now is a smart time to act. Qualifying electrical panel upgrades are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30%, up to $600.

***Lee Company is not providing tax advice. The content on this webpage has been prepared for informational purposes only. You should consult a tax professional if you have questions regarding federal tax credits.

Top Questions Homeowners Ask About Flickering Lights

Below are answers to the most common concerns we hear from homeowners across the Southeast. If your question isn’t covered here, Lee Company’s licensed electricians are just a call away!

1. Are flickering lights always dangerous?

Not always, but they’re never something to ignore. A loose bulb or incompatible fixture might not be an immediate risk, but persistent flickering can point to worse problems like bad wiring or an overloaded electrical system.

2. Why do my lights flicker only at night?

This could happen if your neighbors are using high-demand equipment during peak evening hours, causing minor fluctuations in the shared grid voltage. It’s also possible your home’s electrical system is being stressed by nighttime activities like running a dishwasher, the dryer, and heating or air conditioning systems simultaneously.

3. Are certain types of light fixtures more prone to flickering?

Yes, older fixtures, especially those in homes built before the 1980s, may struggle with modern, energy-efficient bulbs like LEDs or CFLs. If you have antique or vintage fixtures, consult an electrician to upgrade them for better compatibility without losing their charm.

4. What should I do if flickering lights are accompanied by a buzzing sound?

A buzzing noise, especially near fixtures, outlets, or your electrical panel, can be a major concern. It may indicate:

• Loose electrical connections
• Arcing
• Overloaded circuits
• Aging or defective wiring
• Transformer issues
• Grounding problems
• Faulty ballasts in older fluorescent fixtures
• Electrical panel malfunction

Because there are so many possibilities, identifying the exact cause of buzzing requires a professional inspection. Attempting to diagnose or fix it yourself can be dangerous or might worsen the issue.

5. Will power surges cause lights to flicker?

Yes, whether caused by utility issues or appliances like refrigerators and HVAC systems cycling on, power surges can cause brief flickering. Consider installing surge protectors to safeguard your home’s electrical system and sensitive electronics.

6. Does my home need rewiring?

Homes built before 1980, or even as recently as the late 1990s, often don’t meet modern electrical safety standards. Outdated wiring or undersized panels can increase the risk of electrical fires and may not support today’s high-demand appliances. Whole-house rewiring or an electrical panel upgrade can ensure your system is safe, efficient, and up to code.

When to Call an Electrician

You’ve checked the bulb and tightened the switch, and still, the flickering won’t quit. At this point, it’s not a question of if you should call an electrician — it’s when.

Call a Licensed Electrician If:

• Flickering persists despite checking for loose bulbs, faulty switches, or other simple issues.
• You notice damaged wiring, discolored outlets, or signs of overheating in the electrical panel.
• Multiple lights are flickering across different circuits, hinting at a broader system issue.

Electrical work is complex and often dangerous. Lee Company’s licensed electricians bring over 75 years of expertise to every job, ensuring your home is powered safely and efficiently. From inspections to repairs or panel upgrades, we’ll handle the dangerous work so you don’t have to.

Whether you need a standalone inspection or are ready to join our Home Maintenance Plan, Lee Company is here to help. Don’t wait until a small flicker turns into a big problem—contact us today to schedule your service, and let’s keep your home running smoothly!