Lighting fixtures do so much more than illuminate the dark spaces in our homes. They also add aesthetic appeal and highlight key features in our homes’ decor and architectural designs. Because they play such a crucial role, it’s important to pay attention to any signs that indicate they’re about to fail. Oftentimes, lighting issues result from a much larger electrical problem, and if you ignore the problem too long, disaster could strike. Make sure you stay on top of lighting wear and tear by familiarizing yourself with these three signs it’s time to hire a professional for lighting repairs in Southern New Hampshire.
Light Bulbs That Flicker
Flickering lights can make you feel like your house is haunted, but the reality is that there’s a much more logical explanation for this phenomenon. Lights may flicker for a few different reasons. Here are the most common:
The light bulb is loose. If your light bulb is no longer screwed into the socket tightly, the lights will flicker or dim. The good news here is that fixing this problem is easy. Make sure your lights are off and the bulb is cool to the touch. Now, re-screw the bulb into the socket. Did this help? If your light bulbs are still blinking, the problem may be a result of loose electrical connections or amperage issues.
The electrical connections have come loose. Over time, electrical components can wear out. This often results in loose connections. For example, the light switch may lose contact with the fixture, the wires may fray, and the socket that holds the light bulb may go bad. It’s important to address these electrical issues immediately because loose connections can cause overheating and electrical fires.
The electrical panel cannot handle the power demands of your home. Have you noticed that your lights flicker when you turn on a large appliance? This often indicates your electrical panel’s amperage is lower than your house requires. Fortunately, our professionals can upgrade your panel, so you don’t have to worry about overloaded circuits.
Be sure to call an electrician to inspect your lights if you can’t figure out why your lights are flickering. Blinking light bulbs are one of the most common signs your lights are due for repair.
Light Switches That Spark
Have you ever flicked on a light only to be startled by a spark of electricity jumping from the switch? This is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with by a professional electrician right away. Light switches that spark indicate faulty or loose wiring.
Don’t assume that you can’t possibly be having issues with the wiring just because your lighting system was recently installed. On rare occasions, wiring is faulty from the start, and you need to have a reputable electrical company rewire your lights. More often than not, however, sparking light switches result from old wiring that has worn out. In either case, schedule electrical repairs immediately to avoid electrical fires and shocks.
Lights That Frequently Burn Out
If you have to replace your light bulbs often, this could mean there’s an underlying issue you need to deal with. Lights burn out prematurely when there’s loose wiring, frequent power surges, overly tight or loose bulbs, or unstable ceiling fans or garage doors. Because any of these problems could be at play, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of your burnt-out lightbulbs. Fortunately, our certified electricians can help you get to the bottom of the problem and provide a solution.
Are Your Lights Giving You a Fright?
If your lights are flickering, sparking, or burning out, there may be a more serious problem. Make sure you reach out to Cornerstone Electrical Services if you notice any of these signs indicating you need lighting repairs. We’ll dispatch a licensed and experienced electrician to your home to resolve the problem in a snap, so you don’t have to worry about electrical fires or shocks. Contact us today to book an indoor lighting installation or repair!