Those Flickering Lights Could Be a Sign of a Bigger Issue and Speaking To Your Local Houston Electricians Could Help

Home-improvementThose Flickering Lights Could Be a Sign of a Bigger Issue and Speaking To Your Local Houston Electricians Could Help

Flickering lights can be annoying and can cause eye strain, making it uncomfortable to read, work, or relax in your Houston, Texas home. Flickering lights can be caused by various issues, some of which are easy to fix, while others may require professional assistance from licensed Houston Electricians. Fixing these lights early can prevent more significant and costly repairs down the line. Addressing minor issues now can save you from major electrical work later. Here are some common reasons why your lights might be flickering:

  1. Loose Bulb or Fixture: If a light bulb is not screwed in tightly or a fixture is loose, it can cause flickering. Check to see if the bulb is secure, and if not, tighten it gently.
  2. Faulty Light Switch: A worn-out or faulty light switch can cause intermittent flickering. Try operating the switch and see if the flickering coincides with any movements. If you’re not comfortable working on light switches, speak a professional electrician to ensure safety.
  3. Voltage Fluctuations: High demand appliances (like air conditioners or washing machines) turning on can cause temporary voltage drops, resulting in flickering lights. If you just bough or are renovating you home in Houston, you could accidentally overload the existing circuits with new appliances. Speak with the electricians in the Houston area to ensure all electrical codes are followed.
  4. Wiring Issues: Loose or outdated wiring can cause lights to flicker. This is a serious problem as it could lead to electrical fires, so if you suspect this, it’s best to contact licensed electricians to help bring your Houston home or business back up to code.
  5. Circuit Overload: If a circuit is overloaded with too many appliances or lights, it can cause flickering. Try unplugging some devices to see if the issue resolves.
  6. Utility Service Issues: Sometimes, the problem can be outside your Houston, TX home with the utility company’s service. If the flickering happens throughout the entire house and not just one fixture, this might be the cause.

If the flickering is persistent or severe, it’s advisable to have an electrician inspect your electrical system to identify and fix the issue safely. Whether you should try to fix the flickering light problem yourself or call a licensed Houston electrician depends on the cause and your comfort level with electrical work. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

 When You Can Fix It Yourself

  1. Loose Bulb: If the flickering is due to a loose bulb, simply tighten it or replace it if it’s faulty.
  2. Faulty Light Switch: If you suspect the switch is the problem, you can replace it, provided you’re comfortable working with basic electrical components. Make sure to turn off the power at the circuit breaker before doing any work. Don’t work on your home or business’s electrical system if you are not comfortable with it. There are local codes for the Houston, TX area that have to be adhered to.
  3. Overloaded Circuits: If you notice flickering when using high-wattage appliances, try redistributing the load by plugging devices into different circuits.

 When To Speak With Your Licensed Houston Electricians

  1. Frequent or Persistent Flickering: If the flickering is consistent or widespread throughout the house, it may indicate a more serious issue like wiring problems or voltage fluctuations that require professional attention.
  2. Sparking or Burning Smell: If you notice sparking, a burning smell, or hear buzzing sounds from switches or outlets, contact an electrician immediately. These are signs of potentially dangerous electrical issues.
  3. Wiring Issues: If you suspect loose or outdated wiring, this is not something to handle yourself unless you’re a skilled electrician. Faulty wiring can be a fire hazard. You local Houston electricians will help you get this corrected.
  4. Breaker Issues: If the breaker trips often when lights flicker, it could indicate circuit problems that require a professional diagnosis.

If the flickering is due to a minor issue, addressing it promptly can restore normal operation and peace of mind. However, if it signals a more serious underlying problem, fixing it is essential to maintaining a safe and functional home. Since you’re in Houston, TX, and the electrical codes in the area are strict for safety reasons, it’s often best to err on the side of caution and consult a licensed Houston electrician for anything beyond the basic fixes. They can diagnose the issue safely and ensure your home’s electrical system is up to code.

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