Hey there! It’s your friendly neighborhood electrician from Genesis 1:3 Electrical in Denver, Colorado. Over the years, we’ve seen almost every electrical issue in the heart of the Denver Metro area. Today, I’d like to tackle a common question many homeowners face: “What do I need to do if my lights are flickering?”
First Things First: Don’t Panic
Flickering lights can be unnerving, especially if you’re settling for a quiet evening at home and suddenly your living room feels like a disco! But here’s the good news: while flickering lights can indicate an electrical issue, it’s not always a significant problem.
1. Check the Bulb
Before you call in the cavalry (or us), ensure the bulb is screwed in properly. Sometimes, a loosely connected bulb can cause flickering. If the bulb is nearing its end, replacing it can often resolve the issue.
2. Consider the Appliance Load
Here in Denver, where we have everything from old, charming houses in Capitol Hill to sleek, modern apartments in RiNo, the electrical demands vary. High-energy appliances, like microwaves or hairdryers, can sometimes cause lights to flicker when they’re in use. If you notice the flickering coinciding with appliance use, having a licensed electrician, like one of our team members at Genesis 1:3 Electrical, is worth evaluating your home’s electrical load.
3. Watch Out for Dimmer Conflicts
Many Denver homes have dimmer switches; not all bulbs play nicely with them. That could be the flickering culprit if you use non-compatible bulbs with your dimmer switches. Consider switching to bulbs designed for dimming.
4. Evaluate Your Electrical Circuits
If you’ve checked the above and your lights are still channeling their inner strobe, it’s time to delve deeper. Flickering can be a symptom of larger electrical issues. Overloaded circuits or faulty wiring can lead to flickering lights and potential fire hazards.
5. Loose Electrical Connections
One common reason for flickering that we’ve observed in Denver homes is loose electrical connections. This could be at the switch, the circuit breaker, or even the main meter box outside. Loose connections can cause arcing, where electricity jumps over the gap, leading to flickering lights.
6. Neighbors Experiencing Similar Issues?
Sometimes, the issue might not be in your home at all. It could be a utility issue if your neighbors are facing similar flickering light situations. In such cases, it’s good to alert your local utility company.
When to Call Genesis 1:3 Electrical
If you’ve gone through this checklist and are still puzzled (or don’t want to tackle it alone), we’re here for that! Here at Genesis 1:3 Electrical, we always recommend prioritizing safety. Please reach out if you’re ever in doubt or think the flickering might be a symptom of a more significant problem.
Our experienced team is trained to handle a range of electrical issues. After all, every home in Denver, from Stapleton to LoHi, has unique electrical quirks, and we’ve seen them all. We can assess the situation, identify the root cause, and provide a solution to ensure your home is safe and well-lit.
Additional suggestions:
- If you have tried all the above and your lights are still flickering, try resetting your circuit breaker box. This can sometimes resolve minor electrical issues.
- Check if you have a whole-house surge protector to ensure it functions properly.
- If you live in an older home, having your electrical wiring inspected by a licensed electrician every few years is a good idea. This can help identify and fix potential problems before they cause significant damage.
When in doubt, call Genesis 1:3 Electrical!
We are a licensed and insured electrical contractor in Denver, Colorado. We offer various electrical services, including troubleshooting and repairing flickering lights. If you are experiencing flickering lights in your home, we recommend contacting us for assistance.
