Why is my chandelier flickering? Learn the most common causes for this issue along with a few handy tips for fixing it yourself in our quick guide.
5 Common Reasons Why Your Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Are Flickering
Here's how to see the light
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CFL bulb flickering happens when your bulbs warm up after you first turn on the light, need replacement, or experience temperature fluctuations.
Overloaded circuits cause your lights to dim or flicker when you run appliances, and swapping to lower wattage bulbs reduces power demand.
Loose bulbs create flickering issues, and tightening them fixes the problem unless your fixture has worn metal pins that prevent proper connection.
Hiring a local electrical professional provides reliable help diagnosing faulty switches, incompatible dimmers, and overloaded circuits to keep your home safe.
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Sometimes flickering lights can be fixed by simply swapping the bulb. But in other cases, it can be a sign of a larger problem. And while you should always call a professional electrician near you for any electrical issues, there are some ways you can (safely!) figure out what’s going on.
Here are some reasons why your compact fluorescent bulbs might be less-than-bright.
1. The Problem Is the Bulb Itself
If you’re experiencing subtle flickering, this isn’t something to be concerned about. Compact fluorescent bulbs (also called CFLs) can flicker for a few reasons:
They’re warming up after you first turn on the light
They need to be replaced
There’s a temperature fluctuation
But if your lights are constantly flickering, you might have a bigger issue.
2. There’s Not Enough Current
If you notice the lights dim or flicker when you run your dishwasher or turn on the AC, it could be that the electricity is overloaded and there isn’t enough electrical current available to support everything. This could also mean that there are too many appliances on the same circuit, which is a common problem in older homes.
If you suspect this is the issue, swap your light bulb for one that’s lower wattage and uses less power. But it’s still a good idea to consult an electrician about your overloaded circuits.
3. You Have Bad Switches, Plugs, or Cords
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Flip your light switch on and off a few times. If the light flickers, it’s possible you might need a new switch. Having a faulty cord plug can also be the issue. Check to make sure that the plug is not broken or hanging from the outlet, and call an electrician for further troubleshooting.
4. The Dimmer Switch Is Old
Older dimmer switches often don’t work well with modern bulbs. Contact an electrician to see if you can find a bulb that’s more compatible with your dimmer, though you might need to replace the dimmer altogether.
5. The Light Bulb Is Disconnected
Tightening bulbs that are loose can be an easy way to fix your flickering CFLs. In older fixtures, sometimes the bulb can no longer reach the metal pin due to normal wear and tear—and therefore the light will dim or flicker. In this case, you may need to replace the light fixture.
Know When to Call a Pro
Again, it’s always best to call a professional electrician to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action. Never try to DIY an electrical job on your own, as these tasks are complex and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Electrical services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.7★ avg. • 107 total reviews
- Jeff B.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon Mitigation - Regina H.
I conferred with 2 other contractors before Armstrong Electric. Nick and his crew showed me that the project was not as convoluted as the other contractors made it appear to be. They completed the entire project on time. They were professional, friendly and cleaned up after at completion. I...
Armstrong Electric LLC - Jeffrey J.
The techs on my project, Shawn and Cliff, were great. They were prompt, courteous, and efficient. I am very happy with the results and would definitely contact Mr. Electric for any future electrical projects.
Mr. Electric of Columbus - William R.
Victor was wonderful. He was on time, professional, and explained everything he was doing. He was thorough and figured out that the problem was electrical instead of with my HVAC system. Very knowledgeable. I will be using this company in the future for any HVAC needs. Thanks!
Hubbs Heating & Air LLC - Jerald W.
They were excellent. They did a great job. I was totally satisfied. They put tremendous effort in making sure the work was completed. They were great. They provided immediate response to any inquires I made. I would hire them again. I would recommend them to anyone who needs electrical work....
Property-Tech Industries, LLC - Paul H.
Initially, the repairman could not find the problem. Apparently, there was some electrical shortage, but he could not find the definite problem. He left, but called back later to say he had a new idea. He returned and replaced the light switches on the doors. The refrigerator seemed to return...
Appliance Pro LLC - Sarah C.
The initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
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I have to tell you I am all about customer service - I will go out of my way and even pay more for it if you give me great customer service. <br> <br>In a world where this is hard to find, these guys were awesome! I can not sing their praises enough. They were prompt, personable, funny, got...
Waibel Electric - Bradley H.
When I challenged the markup on the generator, Bruder Electric withdrew its bid. They only want naïve customers.
- Gregory B.
We had no power to any of the electrical outlets in the MBR. We'd had an intermittent problem for a few years and they finally went out all together. We live on the 3rd floor of a 100 year old building and I know from past experience the wiring has been added to in hodgepodge ways over the...
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