Flickering lights might seem like a minor annoyance but in some cases, they’re a warning sign. Whether it’s one bulb or your entire home, understanding the causes behind flickering lights can help you prevent electrical damage and even reduce fire risks.
At NOLA Electrical Services, we’ve helped homeowners across New Orleans troubleshoot everything from simple bulb fixes to serious electrical panel failures. If your lights won’t stop flickering, here’s what you need to know.
Common Causes of Flickering Lights
Not all flickering is created equal. Some issues are harmless and easily fixed, while others require immediate attention from a licensed electrician. Let’s walk through the most common causes.
1. Loose or Faulty Bulbs
Sometimes, the issue really is that simple. If a bulb isn’t screwed in all the way, it can create a weak electrical connection that causes it to flicker. Check to see if the bulb is loose or doesn’t match the fixture.
Also, if you’re using LED bulbs, pay attention to when the flickering occurs. Some LEDs don’t perform well with dimmer switches unless the switch is compatible. Try replacing the bulb to rule this out as the source of the problem.
2. Loose Light Switch or Fixture
If the light flickers when you touch the switch or move the fixture, the connection inside could be loose. This isn’t just annoying it’s dangerous.
Loose electrical connections can lead to arcing, where electricity jumps between gaps in the wiring. Arcing generates heat and is a major fire hazard. If you suspect this is the cause, stop using the fixture and call a licensed electrician to inspect and repair it safely.
3. Circuit Overload
Do your lights flicker or dim when a major appliance turns on like a microwave, HVAC unit, or washing machine? That’s a telltale sign of a circuit overload.
When high-demand appliances draw too much power, especially on outdated or overloaded circuits, they can cause voltage dips that make your lights flicker. If this is happening often, it may be time to upgrade your home’s wiring or redistribute load across circuits. Our residential wiring services can help balance your system for better performance and safety.
4. Faulty or Aging Wiring
In older homes around New Orleans, outdated or deteriorating wiring is a common cause of flickering lights. Loose wires behind outlets or inside walls can lead to inconsistent power delivery and they don’t always reveal themselves until lights start acting up.
This is one of the more serious flickering light causes and should be addressed immediately. Faulty wiring isn’t just inefficient it can spark electrical fires. If you’ve ruled out simple fixes, a full inspection is the next step.
5. Electrical Panel Issues
When flickering lights affect your entire house or multiple rooms at once, your breaker panel could be the problem. Panels with corroded contacts, loose breakers, or an aging main breaker can cause fluctuating voltage that leads to flickering.
This isn’t something to troubleshoot on your own. A licensed electrician can inspect your panel, test the connections, and determine whether a repair or complete panel upgrade is necessary.
6. Utility Company Fluctuations
Sometimes, the problem isn’t in your home at all. Voltage surges or drops from the utility company especially during storms or periods of high usage can cause temporary flickering. These issues often affect multiple houses in your area.
Still, it’s smart to have your electrical system evaluated. Even if the root cause is external, ensuring your system is stable can prevent damage from inconsistent power delivery.
When to Call a Licensed Electrician
Flickering lights may start small, but the warning signs of a deeper issue are usually easy to spot if you know what to look for. Give us a call at NOLA Electrical Services if:
-
Flickering happens in more than one room
-
Lights dim when appliances turn on
-
You hear buzzing, crackling, or popping from outlets or switches
-
You detect a burning smell near fixtures
-
The flickering is becoming more frequent or intense over time
These signs often point to a problem beyond the fixture itself and the longer you wait, the more risk you take on.
Trust NOLA Electrical Services for Safe Lighting Repairs
Flickering lights aren’t just annoying they’re often your home’s way of telling you something’s wrong. From simple fixture repairs to panel upgrades and full home rewiring, NOLA Electrical Services has the licensed professionals and local experience to fix the issue the right way.
Whether it’s a one-room mystery or a whole-home concern, we’ll get to the root of the problem and make sure your system is safe, efficient, and up to code.
Contact NOLA Electrical Services
📞 (504) 766-9210
🌐 nolaelectricalservices.com
Proudly serving New Orleans with expert, trustworthy electrical solutions because small problems shouldn’t become big risks.