What’s Causing Your Lights To Turn On and Off by Themselves
There’s nothing like the unsettling feeling of seeing your lights flash on and off for no clear reason. One moment you’re reading in perfect comfort; the next, you're in the dark and wondering if someone is playing games with you. Whether the lights are flickering every so often or powering off entirely before popping back on, it’s not just annoying... it could be a warning sign.
The good news is that flickering lights are usually trying to tell you something - and no, it’s not a ghost. In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we get into what might be going on, what to look out for, and when it’s time to call in the electrician.
If you'd rather cut to the chase and call in professional electrical repair, then call Mr. Electric to hire a uniformed and certified electrician. With decades of industry experience, Mr. Electric has proven that quick, affordable, AND quality electrical service is possible.
SUSPECT 1: Loose Bulbs or Connections
Let’s start with the simplest explanation. If your light turns off and back on intermittently, then the issue might be as small as a loose bulb. After all, screw-in bulbs can slowly loosen over time from vibrations, ceiling fan use, or even just gravity.
What to Do: Turn off the light switch and carefully tighten the bulb. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, then it may be time to dig deeper.
SUSPECT 2: Faulty Light Switches or Dimmers
A more common culprit behind erratic lighting, believe it or not, is a faulty switch. Dimmers, in particular, can wear down or develop internal faults that cause lights to flicker, buzz, or shut off sporadically. You might even have the wrong type of dimmer installed. This is part of why hiring an electrician for installations is so important.
What to Do: Try replacing the bulb with a known good one. If the problem continues, then the switcher may be to blame. A certified electrician can diagnose and, if necessary, replace faulty switches or dimmers without any guesswork.
SUSPECT 3: Overloaded Circuits
Do the lights flicker when a large appliance, like the HVAC or dishwasher, kicks on? If so, that's your wiring telling you that it's at capacity. High-draw appliances pull a lot of current when they start. If your electrical panel or wiring isn’t equipped to handle the load, then your lights might dim, flicker, or momentarily shut off.
What to Do: There is nothing the average individual can do here. This is your cue to call a certified electrician. The job may require a circuit adjustment, rewiring, or even a panel upgrade.
SUSPECT 4: Loose or Damaged Wiring
Now, this is dangerous territory. If your lights are turning off and on by themselves with no obvious pattern, then we've got a deep red flag. Worn-out wire insulation, poorly spliced wires, or outdated aluminum wiring, for instance, can create unstable connections and even become a fire hazard with time.
What to Do: Time is of the essence. Loose or damaged wiring can result in an electrical fire when you least expect it. Have an electrician in Austin, TX investigate as soon as possible. The team at Mr. Electric is always ready to help.
SUSPECT 5: External Power Issues
Sometimes the issue isn’t even inside your home. Your property shares a transformer with neighboring homes, and fluctuations in the local grid can affect your lights. If your neighbors are sharing similar concerns, then the utility service could be the cause. Still, it’s best to rule out in-home problems with a proper inspection.
Time to Call in the Pros at Mr. Electric?
While it’s tempting to write off flickering lights as quirky or just annoying, they often signal a deeper electrical issue. Don't wait for arcs to turn into fires or shocks to turn into electrocutions. Contact Mr. Electric for a quick and affordable flickering light repair. We provide upfront pricing, emergency service, and workmanship guarantees.
