Why Your Lights Keep Flickering: Causes & Fixes for Long Beach Homes
If you’re dealing with flickering lights in Long Beach, you’re not alone—and it’s not just an annoyance. Flickering can be a sign of deeper electrical issues that could pose safety risks or lead to costly damage if left unchecked. Whether it’s happening in one room or throughout the house, it’s important to understand what’s causing it and how to fix it.
Common Causes of Flickering Lights
A. Loose Bulbs
One of the simplest reasons for flickering is a loose bulb. Make sure the bulb is tightly screwed into the socket. If you’re using LED or CFL bulbs, ensure they’re compatible with your fixture or dimmer switch.
B. Faulty Light Switches or Dimmers
If the flickering occurs when using a dimmer switch, it might be incompatible with your bulb type. Worn-out or defective switches can also lead to intermittent power flow.
C. Overloaded Circuit
Flickering that occurs when a large appliance (like an air conditioner or microwave) kicks on is often due to an overloaded circuit. This might indicate your electrical system isn’t equipped to handle your home’s power demand.
D. Wiring Problems
Loose or outdated wiring is a major cause of flickering and should never be ignored. This can pose a fire hazard and needs immediate attention from a licensed electrician.
E. Issues with the Electrical Panel
If flickering happens throughout the entire house, it might be due to issues in your electrical panel—such as a failing breaker or poor connection. This is especially common in older homes in Long Beach.
F. Utility Service Problems
Sometimes the problem isn’t in your home at all. If your neighbors are also experiencing flickering, it could be an issue with the local power grid or transformer.
2. How to Fix Flickering Lights
Check and Replace the Bulbs
Start with the easiest fix: screw in the bulb properly or replace it with one that’s compatible with your fixture or dimmer.
Inspect the Light Switch or Dimmer
Replace faulty or incompatible switches. Consider switching to LED-compatible dimmers if needed.
Avoid Circuit Overload
Try redistributing power-hungry appliances across different outlets and circuits. If that doesn’t help, you may need an electrician to install dedicated circuits.
Schedule an Electrical Inspection
For persistent or house-wide flickering, it’s best to call a licensed electrician to inspect your wiring and panel. This can help catch small problems before they become expensive repairs—or dangerous hazards.
3. When to Call an Electrician in Long Beach
Call a professional if:
- Flickering happens frequently or worsens over time.
- The issue occurs even after changing bulbs or switches.
- Your home is older and hasn’t had a recent electrical inspection.
- You notice burning smells, buzzing sounds, or sparking near outlets or switches.
A qualified Long Beach electrician can diagnose the issue quickly and recommend safe, effective solutions.
4. Preventative Tips for Long Beach Homeowners
- Schedule regular electrical inspections—especially if your home is more than 20 years old.
- Upgrade your electrical panel to handle modern power demands.
- Upgrade your electrical panel to handle modern power demands.
- Avoid DIY fixes on wiring or panels unless you’re a licensed electrician.
The Bottom Line
Flickering lights in Long Beach homes can be caused by anything from a loose bulb to a serious electrical issue. Don’t ignore the signs—especially if the flickering is frequent or occurs across multiple rooms. With help from a trusted electrician, you can protect your home, avoid fire hazards, and ensure your electrical system is up to date.
Need Expert Help in Long Beach?
At Karmic Electrical, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing electrical issues for homeowners in Long Beach and surrounding areas. From quick fixes to full rewiring and panel upgrades, we’re here to help—safely and efficiently.
Contact us today for an inspection or consultation.
