Flickering or dim lights at home can make it hard to carry out daily tasks. If you have tried replacing the bulbs and it hasn't helped, the problem might run deeper. While you should call an electrician for a diagnosis, the following outlines some possible culprits.

What Causes Household Lighting Problems?

1. Power Company Problems

First, talk to your electrical provider to see if they are experiencing issues. Sometimes, they might have excessively high demand or their lines may have suffered damage, causing them to be unable to send enough current to their subscribers to keep everything well lit. In this case, the problem should resolve itself with time.

2. Overloaded Circuit

If it is not a problem with the utility company, it may be an issue with your electrical system. This is a particular concern in older houses since they were not designed to handle modern power consumption needs. Utilizing too many appliances at once might overload the circuit and cause your lights to dim or flutter.

If possible, plug floor and table lamps into an outlet located on a different circuit from high electricity consumers like your microwave, space heater, toaster oven, or hairdryer. If this is problematic, have an electrician reconfigure your electrical panels as necessary.

3. Old Wiring

Older wiring is often of a narrower gauge than that used in modern homes. Just as a single-lane surface road cannot handle as much traffic as a four-lane expressway, slimmer wire can't carry as much current compared to those of a larger diameter.

Therefore, it may make sense to have an electrician rewire all or part of your home—not just for convenience but for fire safety reasons. Overworked wiring could heat up and potentially ignite nearby materials.

If your home is experiencing dim lights and you need the help of an experienced electrician, contact ABC Electric Company Inc., a respected lighting contractor in Lincoln, NE. They have served Lancaster County and southeast Nebraska for 85 years. They specialize in electrical repair and installation of residential, commercial, and industrial electric systems. Learn more about them on their website. Call (402) 435-3514 to discuss your problem.