Most things in your home depend on electricity—from charging your cell phone to keeping the temperature inside where you want it. That’s why it’s annoying when electricity in our homes doesn’t work the way we expect. For many homeowners, this stress can come to a head when lights flicker after their HVAC system starts to kick in.
The question remains: Do dimming or flickering lights at the beginning of HVAC cycles show a serious electrical problem? It varies.
When are dimming or flickering lights considered normal?
If you’re noticing dimming that lasts for a fraction of a second when your HVAC begins, it usually isn’t something to be stressed about.
While it might not feel like it, your home has a certain amount of electricity it can use at any given time. Large appliances—like your HVAC system—need a significant amount of electricity to start up. When those appliances turn on, they take a larger amount of the available electricity. This means the other appliances in your home, like your lights, don’t have as much power available to them.
If this is the lone issue you are facing, your lights should dim for less than a second and quickly return to full brightness. If you’re irritated by the flickering, schedule an appointment with Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ll assess the situation and see if an equipment upgrade or circuit changes can help the problem.
When should I take action about the flickering lights?
Flickering lights can also signify a more serious matter. Don’t assess the situation yourself. The problem could be dangerous for you or your home. Call a professional if you see:
- Lights that continue to flicker. The normal flickering that occurs when there isn’t enough power to keep up with all appliances in your home should last a fraction of a second. If your lights continue to flicker on and off when you start your HVAC system—or continually at any other time—you could have an issue with your wiring.
- Lights that dim considerably. When you experience normal dimming, the effect is eno