5 Reasons Why Your Lights Flicker When You Turn On Your AC

Have you ever observed that when you switch on your air conditioner, your lights begin to flicker? It’s an irritating issue, but it’s not unusual. This is a common problem among homeowners, and a number of reasons may cause it.

In this article, we will explore the top reasons why your AC lights may flicker when you turn it on. We’ll look closer at the electrical circuit overload, faulty wiring, loose electrical connections, damaged appliances, and dirty AC filters that can all contribute to this issue. By understanding the underlying causes, you can take steps to fix the problem and ensure that your electrical system is working correctly.

If you’re experiencing flickering lights, it’s important to call a licensed electrician, such as Autumn Air, to assess the issue and make any necessary repairs. Attempting to fix electrical issues on your own can be dangerous, so it’s always best to leave it to the professionals. With that said, let’s dive into the top reasons why your lights may flicker when you turn the AC on.

1. Electrical Circuit Overload

An electrical circuit overload is one of the most prevalent causes of flickering lights when you switch on your air conditioner. An overload happens when too much demand is placed on a circuit that is not designed to manage it. This might create a dip in voltage, causing your lights to flicker.

To correctly grasp this, you need first to understand how your electrical system works. Electricity travels via a number of circuits regulated by your electrical panel in a typical house. Each circuit is intended to carry a set amount of electrical current, and when a circuit is overloaded, the voltage might decrease.

When you turn on your air conditioner, it consumes a substantial quantity of electrical electricity. This may result in a brief voltage decrease, resulting in your lights flickering when the AC turns on. In this situation, you may need to modify your electrical panel or establish a separate circuit for your air conditioner. An electrician can evaluate your present setup and offer the best course of action.

2. Faulty wiring

Faulty wiring is another reason why your lights may flicker when you switch on your air conditioner. The wiring may get corroded or frayed over time, causing electrical difficulties. Faulty wiring may potentially cause electrical fires in rare situations.

If you believe bad wiring is causing your flickering lights, you should contact an electrician immediately. They may inspect your wiring and make any repairs necessary to guarantee your safety. It is important to note that defective wiring may be a significant problem that should not be attempted on your own. To handle any electrical repairs, always use a professional electrician.

3. Loose electrical connections

Loose electrical connections are frequently the root cause of flickering lights. It’s possible that with time, the connections in your electrical system can get loose, which will result in electrical problems. Due to the fact that unprotected connections might result in electrical arcing and fires, this could be an extremely hazardous scenario.

Get in touch with a licensed electrician as soon as possible if you suspect that loose electrical connections are to blame for the flickering lights in your home. In order to ensure your well-being, they will probably examine your connections and perform any necessary repairs.

It is essential to be aware that attempting to fix weak connections on your own might be risky since you will be working with live electrical currents. Always consult with an experienced electrician before attempting any kind of electrical repair.

4. Defective Appliances

Damaged equipment might also create flickering lights when you switch on your air conditioner. When an appliance fails, it might generate an electrical surge that can disrupt the rest of your system. This might cause your lights to flicker or possibly turn off entirely.

You may need to replace your damaged equipment to resolve this problem. An electrician can assist you in determining which items are causing the problem and advise you on the best course of action. It is important to note that malfunctioning appliances may be harmful, and trying to repair them on your own might be disastrous. To handle any electrical repairs, always use a professional electrician.

5. Dirty air conditioner filters

If the filters in your air conditioner are dirty, you may notice that the lights flicker when you turn the AC on. If the filters in your air conditioner get clogged with dirt and other particles, the air conditioner will have to work harder to circulate air, which may result in a momentary drop in voltage. As a consequence of this drop, the flickering of your lights is possible.

To fix this issue, it is important to maintain the habit of periodically cleaning or replacing the filters in your air conditioner. It’s possible that doing this may help your air conditioner function more efficiently, which will reduce the probability of any electrical problems. It is recommended that you clean or replace your air conditioning filters at least once a month, with a focus on doing so during periods of high usage.

Conclusion

Flickering lights when you switch on your air conditioner might be a nuisance, but it’s not unusual. This problem may be caused by a number of circumstances, including electrical circuit overload, poor wiring, unsecured electrical connections, broken equipment, and unclean AC filters. If you have flickering lights, you should contact a certified electrician to diagnose the problem and make any required repairs.

Attempting to repair electrical problems on your own may be risky, so leave it to the specialists. By resolving the underlying issue, you can guarantee that your electrical system is functioning correctly and minimize the likelihood of future electrical issues.