6 Common Reasons Your LED Lights Are Flickering

1. Dying Lightbulbs

LED lights are one of the most common types of lightbulbs. They’re known for their extreme energy efficiency and long lifespan but will need to be replaced eventually. Having to replace some bulbs is a best-case scenario compared to other, more expensive issues. 

How to Fix It 

Check the socket with a new lightbulb. If it stops flickering, but the old LED continues flickering, replace it.  

2. Using Incorrect Bulbs on Dimmer Switches

Installing dimmer switches adds control over your home’s ambiance, but not all bulbs work with them. A common problem is that the bulb works fine when the dimmer is set to maximum brightness, but flickers at any other setting. Make sure the dimmer switch works before assuming it’s the bulb that’s causing the flickering.

How to Fix It 

Check that the dimmer is working correctly by using a bulb that matches the switch. If the dimmer switch functions correctly, replace the bulb with one that works with dimmer switches.

3. Power Fluctuations or Overloaded Circuits

You may not be able to diagnose this unless you have electrical experience. What happens is your system directs power in certain ways, and sometimes it only allows a certain amount of power to the light socket. If you notice your bulbs flickering only when you turn on power-hungry appliances like laundry machines, ovens, or plug-in items like treadmills or vacuums, it’s probably your power system. 

How to Fix It 

• Have a pro make sure you aren’t overloading your system. 

• Consider switching lights (first) or appliances (second). 

• Ensure you don’t have a bad ground cable.

4. Damage to Power Unit, Light Socket, or Wiring 

This can be damage to the physical switch, the wire running from the wall to the bulb, wires inside the walls, or a breaker. Some damage may be obvious and you can address it yourself but if you can’t find any other reason for flickering bulbs, it’s best to have a local electrical pro check it out. Unfortunately, bad wires are a common cause of house fires.   

How to Fix It 

If it’s safe, switch any existing damaged pieces—but don’t go looking in the walls.  A pro would need to do any work that isn’t switching a fuse or swapping a dimmer switch.

5. Loose Bulbs 

This issue is self-explanatory. Just like screws, locks, doors, and many other household items, bulbs can become loose over time. Another reason is they weren’t screwed in tight enough in the first place. Along with aging bulbs that require replacing, this is the easiest issue to fix in this list. 

How to Fix It 

• Tighten the bulb. 

• If the issue is the bulb is loose because of damage to the light socket, replace that (or have a pro do it).

6. Smart Home Errors

Smart light switches are becoming more popular and with good reason—savings, burglar prevention, and convenience are all serious benefits. However, smart devices are just another point of failure if you’re diagnosing LED flickers. Almost all the issues of smart devices are due to electronic errors. If the unit isn’t broken, make sure it’s getting ample power. Otherwise, the device may need repair. 

How to Fix It 

• Toggle the device on and off. Simple, but it often fixes the problem.

• Check that the device is working correctly by switching your light bulbs. 

• If it’s flickering no matter which bulb, check the device for error codes or have a pro take a look at it. 

• Sometimes a call to the smart device company can solve the issue.