Flickering Light Troubleshooting in the Twin Cities

Flickering lights might seem like a small annoyance—but they can also signal deeper electrical issues that need professional attention. At Affordable Electric, we help homeowners throughout Brooklyn Park and the Twin Cities quickly and safely diagnose the root causes of flickering lights, offering expert repairs to protect your home and restore peace of mind.

If your lights are flickering, pulsing, or dimming unexpectedly, it’s important not to ignore the warning signs.

When to Call About Flickering Lights

While the occasional flicker can sometimes be harmless (such as a minor power surge), persistent or unexplained flickering often points to bigger problems. You should schedule professional troubleshooting if:

Lights flicker frequently, even when appliances aren't running

Only certain rooms or circuits are affected

Lights dim dramatically when using appliances like microwaves, HVAC systems, or vacuums

Flickering is accompanied by buzzing sounds or warm outlets/switches

You notice sparks, burning smells, or discolored wiring

Flickering has gotten worse over time

Because flickering can sometimes indicate dangerous conditions—such as loose wiring or overloaded circuits—it’s better to have it inspected promptly rather than risk electrical fires or equipment damage.

Common Causes of Flickering Lights

There are several reasons why your lights might be flickering. Affordable Electric’s experienced team can identify the exact cause and recommend the right fix. Common culprits include:

Loose or Faulty Wiring

One of the most serious causes of flickering lights is loose wiring connections. Over time, wires can degrade, loosen, or even overheat, increasing the risk of short circuits or electrical fires.

Overloaded Circuits

If your lighting circuits are sharing too much load—especially with large appliances—your lights may flicker when multiple devices are in use. This is especially common in older homes.

Failing Light Fixtures or Ballasts

Sometimes, the problem lies within the fixture itself. Old or damaged ballasts (particularly in fluorescent lighting) can cause flickering or inconsistent light output.

Faulty Switches or Dimmers

Bad connections in switches, dimmers, or controls can disrupt the flow of electricity to your lights, causing flickering or flickering when dimming.

Utility Service Fluctuations

Occasionally, the problem isn’t inside your home at all. Fluctuations in the utility company’s power supply can lead to widespread flickering or dimming, especially during peak usage times.

Bulb or Fixture Issues

In some cases, the solution is simple: a loose light bulb, incompatible bulb-dimmer pairings, or aging fixtures can cause flickering. Affordable Electric can help confirm whether a quick fix will solve the issue.

Trust Affordable Electric for Safe, Reliable Solutions

At Affordable Electric, we take flickering light issues seriously. When you call us, you can expect:

A detailed inspection of affected circuits, fixtures, and wiring

Clear explanations of what's causing the problem

Honest recommendations—only what you truly need

Two-year warranty on all parts

Lifetime warranty on workmanship provided by Affordable Electric of Twin Cities

24/7 availability for urgent electrical concerns

Over 30 years of trusted service in Brooklyn Park and the Twin Cities metro area

Our licensed electricians are committed to providing safe, thorough solutions that protect your home and your family.

Proudly serving Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis & Saint Paul, MN with over 30+ years experience
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