“Electricity is really just organized lightning.” — George Carlin
When your lights start flickering like a scene from a horror movie, it’s easy to brush it off. Maybe it’s the bulb. Maybe it’s your imagination. But here’s the thing—flickering lights are never just an aesthetic problem. They are often your home’s way of waving a red flag.
At NOLA Electric, we’ve seen it all. Flickering bulbs. Buzzing outlets. Lights that dance when the AC kicks on. And if there’s one thing we wish every homeowner knew, it’s this: those little blinks could be a sign of something much bigger.
Let’s break down the real reasons why your lights flicker—and what you should do about it.
Loose Wiring Is No Joke
Loose wiring is one of the most common (and dangerous) reasons behind flickering lights. Connections that aren’t secure can lead to arcing—a situation where electricity jumps across gaps. And yes, that’s as risky as it sounds.
If your lights flicker when you flip a switch or wiggle the fixture, call a licensed electrician immediately. This isn’t a DIY situation. Loose wiring is one of the leading causes of electrical fires.
Overloaded Circuits Are Asking for Trouble
Ever notice your lights dim when the microwave, washer, or hair dryer kicks on? That’s your circuit screaming for help.
An overloaded circuit happens when too many appliances are pulling power from the same line. Instead of running smoothly, the system struggles, and your lights pay the price.
The fix? Have your electrician assess your panel and consider adding dedicated circuits for heavy appliances. At NOLA Electric, we often recommend panel upgrades for homes that rely on modern, power-hungry devices.
Faulty Light Switches Could Be the Culprit
Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a bad switch. If the switch feels warm to the touch or makes a faint buzzing sound, it’s likely failing.
Replacing a switch is a quick job for an electrician—but ignoring it could lead to bigger problems down the line. Don’t wait for that faint buzz to become a full-blown spark.
Voltage Fluctuations Might Be Playing Games with Your Lights
Lights that flicker randomly, especially across multiple rooms, might signal a voltage issue. Standard home voltage should hover between 115 and 125 volts. If it’s consistently higher or lower, your appliances and electronics could suffer.
How can you tell? Your electrician can measure the voltage directly at your outlets and recommend stabilizing solutions, like whole-home surge protection or rewiring if needed.
Bulbs and Fixtures Do Matter
Before you panic about wiring, check the simple stuff first. Are you using the right type of bulb for the fixture? Loose bulbs or mismatched wattage can cause flickering too.
Make sure your LED bulbs are compatible with dimmer switches if you’re using them. Not all dimmers play nice with all bulbs.
Still flickering after a bulb swap? It’s time to look deeper.
Issues Outside Your Home Can Impact Your Lights Too
Here’s one that surprises a lot of people: sometimes the issue isn’t inside your house at all. Problems with the power supply from your utility company or damage at the transformer level can also cause flickering lights.
If your neighbors are seeing the same issues, it’s worth calling the power company first. But if the issue is isolated to your home, it’s time to bring in the pros.
When Should You Worry About Flickering Lights?
Not all flickering is created equal. Here’s when to stop guessing and call an expert:
- Flickering happens in multiple rooms
- Lights dim when appliances turn on
- Bulbs flicker even after replacement
- Switches feel hot or buzz
- There’s a burning smell near outlets or panels
These aren’t just annoyances—they’re warnings.
Trust NOLA Electric to Keep Your Home Safe and Bright
At NOLA Electric, we believe your home’s electrical system should work as hard as you do—quietly, reliably, and safely.
Whether it’s repair and replacement, rewiring services, or a complete panel upgrade, our licensed electricians bring precision to every project. We don’t just fix the problem. We find out why it happened and make sure it doesn’t come back.
When your lights flicker, don’t ignore the signs. Reach out to NOLA Electric today and let us bring stability back to your home.
📍 410 Bonita Drive, Chalmette, Louisiana 70043
Phone: (504) 766 9210
Email: bp@nolaelectricco.com
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