Why You Should Never Ignore Flickering Lights According to the Top Rated Electrical Contractors in Red Deer!
When it comes to the electrical system in your home, certain things are easy to shrug off. A flickering light? Many homeowners might think it’s no big deal. But here at Lumentek, we believe that flickering lights are not something to ignore. As a team of electricians in Red Deer/central Alberta, we’ve seen firsthand how a small issue can quickly turn into a big problem.
In this article, I’ll walk you through why flickering lights are more than just an annoyance, the potential causes, and how our team at Lumentek can help keep your home safe and well-lit.
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What Causes Flickering Lights?
Before getting into why flickering lights shouldn’t be ignored, let’s talk about what can cause them. Some issues are minor, but others can signal serious issues. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons your lights might flicker.
1. Loose Bulbs or Fixtures
A loose bulb is one of the simplest culprits. Sometimes, if the bulb isn’t screwed in tightly enough, it doesn’t make a consistent connection. It may flicker or go out altogether. This can happen with any type of light—whether it’s indoor or outdoor, new or old. But don’t let this minor issue fool you! If a fixture repeatedly has loose bulbs, it could point to underlying wiring issues.
2. Faulty or Outdated Wiring
Wiring problems are no joke. As homes age, their wiring can wear out, and if you’ve noticed frequent flickering, it might be worth investigating the wiring in your home. In fact, our team often encounters this issue in older homes, where the wiring needs to be updated or repaired. Faulty wiring can not only cause flickering lights but can also be a major fire hazard.
3. Overloaded Circuits
Have you ever turned on the microwave while the toaster’s running, and suddenly the lights start flickering? This could mean that your circuit is overloaded. Many homes, especially older ones, weren’t designed to handle the amount of power we use today. A few decades ago, a home might have had a TV and a few lights on at once; now, we’re charging phones, running appliances, and using smart devices all day.
4. Voltage Fluctuations
Voltage fluctuations are a more complex issue but can be identified by a professional. If the voltage in your electrical system is inconsistent, it might be causing the flickering. This could happen if there’s an issue with the wiring or if there’s a problem with the electrical grid in your area.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Flickering Lights
Flickering lights may seem minor, but they can indicate significant problems lurking within your electrical system. Here’s why it’s worth taking them seriously.
1. Electrical Fire Risk
We can’t stress this enough: faulty wiring can lead to electrical fires. Flickering lights can sometimes be a warning sign that wires have come loose or are damaged. Many homeowners in Red Deer and the surrounding areas have been saved from potential disasters just by taking a flicker seriously. When you work with an electrical contractor in Red Deer like Lumentek, we ensure every repair is done safely and professionally.
2. Potential for Short Circuits
Short circuits are no friend to your home’s electrical system. A short circuit happens when there’s an unintended connection between two points in an electrical circuit, often due to loose or frayed wiring. If a short circuit occurs, it could cause appliances to burn out, increase your risk of fire, and lead to costly repairs. It’s far better to address these problems early on with professional help from a highly recommended electrician in Red Deer.
3. Strain on the Electrical System
Constant flickering can put unnecessary stress on your home’s electrical system, which could lead to more serious electrical issues over time. Regular flickering doesn’t just affect the light fixtures but can affect the whole electrical circuit they’re attached to, leading to potential repairs and higher maintenance costs in the future.
When to Call an Electrician
So, when should you reach out to a professional? If you notice minor flickering, such as a bulb not screwed in tightly, you can usually fix that on your own. But if flickering persists, or if you notice it throughout your home, it’s time to call an electrician.
Signs It’s Time for Professional Help
- Frequent Flickering: If your lights flicker regularly or throughout the house.
- Burning Smell: Any sign of burning smells around your outlets or fixtures requires immediate attention.
- Buzzing Noises: Buzzing sounds near your fixtures could indicate loose wiring.
- Overheating Light Fixtures: If light fixtures get unusually warm, it may indicate an underlying problem.
At Lumentek, we specialize in quality electrical services for homes in Red Deer and central Alberta, and our team of professional electricians can quickly and safely address these issues. Whether you require a minor fix or a full electrical upgrade, we’re here to help.
Preventive Measures for Flickering Lights
Now that we’ve covered the causes and why they shouldn’t be ignored, let’s talk about how you can prevent flickering lights in the first place.
1. Regular Maintenance and Inspections
A little bit of maintenance goes a long way. Just like other parts of your home, your electrical system needs regular check-ups to stay in good shape. Scheduling regular inspections with a trusted Red Deer electrician can help spot issues before they escalate. We also offer electrical maintenance and inspection services that ensure your home’s wiring is safe and up to code.
2. Electrical Upgrades
Homes over 20 years old often benefit from an upgrade to the wiring or electrical panels. Adding smart home devices, for example, requires more power and a stable electrical system to prevent overload. We can help assess your home’s needs, install surge protectors, and upgrade circuits for long-term reliability.
3. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Consider switching to LED or smart lighting, which not only helps reduce strain on your electrical system but also cuts down on energy costs. At Lumentek, we can help with your electrical installations and advise on the best lighting options to keep your home well-lit, safe, and efficient.
How a Professional Electrician Can Help
Calling a professional electrician for your flickering light issues ensures your home remains safe, efficient, and comfortable. Here at Lumentek, our team of professional electricians in Red Deer and the surrounding areas is experienced in all aspects of electrical contracting. We take pride in the quality service we provide and follow the Canadian Electrical Code to ensure every job meets the highest standards.
What to Expect from Our Services
- Expert Diagnosis and Repair: Our electricians are skilled at identifying the cause of flickering lights and providing effective, lasting repairs.
- Peace of Mind: Working with insured and licensed professionals means knowing your home is safe.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: By tackling small problems now, we help you avoid bigger, costlier repairs in the future.
For more tips and insights into maintaining a safe and efficient electrical system, don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel.
Don’t Ignore the Flicker!
Flickering lights are more than just a nuisance – they can be a red flag for serious electrical issues in your home. Whether you need a simple fix or an upgrade, Lumentek’s team of highly recommended electricians is here to help. Our professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to quality workmanship make us the go-to electrical company for homes in Red Deer and central Alberta.
If you’re experiencing flickering lights or have any other electrical needs, don’t wait! Get in touch with us today for a service call, and let us provide you with the exceptional service you deserve. We’d love to help make your home safer and more reliable for years to come.
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