Why Are My Lights Flickering?

If your lights keep blinking or dimming, it’s usually not random—and in some cases, it can indicate something serious.

We get calls about this from homeowners across Prescott and Prescott Valley every week. Most folks want to know:

“What’s causing this, and do I need to worry about it?”

In this article, we’ll explain the most common reasons for flickering lights, how to tell what’s causing it, and when it’s a good idea to have it checked by a licensed Prescott electrician.

If your lights flicker when you start up an appliance like a microwave or vacuum, it’s probably because the appliance is drawing a lot of power all at once. That sudden pull on the system can cause the lights to dim or blink, especially if wired to the same circuit.

This happens more often in older homes or homes with panels not designed for modern appliances.

Some of the usual culprits:

• Air conditioners
• Washing machines or dryers
• Microwaves
• Vacuums
• Power tools

A short flicker isn’t always a sign of danger. But it’s time to take a closer look if it happens often or affects more than one room.

They can. Sometimes, the problem is minor. Other times, it’s a sign that something’s loose, overloaded, or starting to fail.

It’s probably not a big issue if:

• Only one bulb flickers occasionally
• It happens during the startup of a single appliance
• It stops after you replace the bulb

But it can be a bigger problem if:

• Lights in different rooms are flickering
• You smell something burning
• You hear buzzing from switches or outlets
• Breakers are tripping often
• Flickering is happening more than it used to

We’ve seen these issues turn into electrical fires, damaged panels, or failed outlets. It’s not about being alarmed—it’s about staying ahead of it.

These are the most common problems we find when we troubleshoot flickering lights in homes around Northern Arizona:

1. Loose or Damaged Wiring

A loose wire inside a wall, outlet, or ceiling box can cause lights to blink or dim. This can also lead to arcing, which builds up heat and may start a fire. If the flickering affects more than one room, this is one of the first things we check.

2. Bad Switches or Dimmers

Not all switches work well with LED bulbs. Some older dimmer switches aren’t compatible with newer lights, which leads to flickering. In other cases, the switch is worn out and does not make a solid connection.

3. Too Many Devices on One Circuit

If a single circuit is powering too much—like your lights, appliances, and outlets—it can cause flickering, breaker trips, or heat buildup. This is pretty common in homes built 20 or more years ago.

4. Outdated Electrical Panel

Older panels may not support the kind of load a home needs today. We still come across homes with panels that are no longer considered safe. If your lights flicker and your panel is older, it may be time to check or upgrade it.

5. Utility Power Fluctuations

Sometimes, the issue comes from the outside. In areas like Prescott, voltage can fluctuate depending on demand and grid conditions. We can check for this during an inspection.

1. Notice When It Happens

Is it always the same light? Is it just one room? Or the whole house? These questions help narrow things down.

2. Try the Simple Fixes

• Swap out the bulb
• Make sure the bulb is screwed in properly
• Avoid using too many high-draw appliances on one circuit

If it still happens after that, there may be a bigger issue.

3. Have a Licensed Electrician Take a Look

If the flickering is ongoing or affects more than one area of the home, it’s worth getting checked. We can test the circuit, check the panel, and look for signs of heat, damage, or loose wiring. Schedule an electrical troubleshooting

We don’t bring this up to scare anyone, but we’ve seen what happens when flickering is ignored for too long.

Minor wiring issues can turn into heat damage. A failing breaker can lead to panel failure. And in some cases, this stuff causes real safety risks—like fire or shock.
Getting it checked gives you answers and helps avoid bigger, more expensive repairs later on. Book an Electrical Inspection

Here’s when we recommend reaching out:

• Lights in more than one room are flickering
• There’s a burning smell coming from outlets or switches
• You hear buzzing or clicking sounds from fixtures
• You’ve added new appliances and noticed more flickering
• Breakers are tripping frequently

We’re based in Prescott and work across Northern Arizona. We handle this type of issue all the time, and we’ll explain exactly what’s going on.

If your lights are flickering and you’re unsure why, call us. We’ll check it out, find the cause, and let you know your options. There will be no upselling or runaround—just straight answers and safe solutions. Call (928) 713-217 or Request Service Online.