Why are my lights dim in one room?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Having flickering or dimming lights is an annoyance that most people write off to a mis-connection or faulty light bulbs. Realistically, your lights may be dimming for a number of potential electrical problems; however, the main cause of dimming is when there is a sudden increase in the load on your circuit. A question your electrician may ask you is if the lights have always dimmed or if they are increasingly dimming as time goes on. This is a very important question as it can give an indication of where the problem may lie, so take note. For any problems concerning electrical work it is best to call a trusted electrician as electrical work can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing!

Table of Contents Show

Loose Wire Connection
Plugged in Appliances
Age of House
Light Bulbs Used
Energy Provider
Overloaded Circuit
Problems with the Power Grid
Improper Wiring
Loose or Corroded Neutral Wire
Why Do My Lights Dim When I Turn on Appliances?
Overloaded Circuits
Improper or Faulty Wiring
Power Grid Issues
Corroded or Loose Neutral Wire
Dormant Appliance Checklist
Washer Maintenance Tips
Dryer Maintenance Tips
Dishwasher Maintenance Tips
Refrigerator/Freezer

Loose Wire Connection

A wire connection may loosen over time, this may cause your lights to dim more than previously experienced. This problem will mainly present itself in the warmer months of the year when electricity is at a higher demand thanks to furiously running AC units, rather than in the cooler months when demand is lower. It is best to call an electrician for this problem and get it fixed as soon as possible as loose wires can create a high resistance, which in turn can lead to a fire.

Plugged in Appliances

If your lights dim when plugging in an appliance such as an iron, it could be because the appliance itself is not working properly. It is best to get the appliance repaired before it can harm you, such as by shocking you, or it may be even cheaper to replace the device!

Age of House

Electrical circuits have changed over time, in newer homes lights don’t share the same circuit as plugs in older homes where plugs and lights shared the same circuit. When a new appliance is plugged in, especially ones that draw in more electricity when they are switched on than when they are running, the demand of the circuit increases, and this can than cause your lights to dim. To fix this problem, call an electrician who can install dedicated circuits as one solution to this problem.

Another problem that can occur in older houses is that they cannot keep up with the demand of electrical current that newer forms of technology need. For example, some devices such as laptops use a lot more electricity than before, and there are often multiple devices like this in a single home – this is known as the electrical drain. If your electrician deems that this is the problem, they can provide a service upgrade to your home’s circuits.

Light Bulbs Used

Due to wear and tear of appliances over time, things such as lights will not always produce the same quality output. As light bulbs are used, and wear and tear kicks in, the light bulbs will produce less and less light. When this happens, it is recommended that the light bulbs be replaced.

Energy Provider

If your lights are continuing to dim for a long period of time and there is no pattern that you can see causing this, it may be best to call your electricity company (i.e. FPL). They may not be supplying at the norm you are used to due to an issue on their side.

Remember to look after your home and its components, something small such as dimming lights may cause an immense problem. Don’t forget to check all possibilities from the appliances, to the cables and even the electricity company, and if you are unsure about anything call a trusted electrician. Also look out for other possible dangers in your house and take care of them before a bigger problem can arise! At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric we have immense knowledge and passion for what we do. Thousands of customers have trusted our services since 1983. If dimming lights are darkening your life, give us a call at 1-800-475-1504 to see how we can help you.

It can be scary moving to a new house or apartment, especially if the establishment is old to the neighborhood. Sometimes the doors creak a little more than you’re used to, or the cabinets don’t shut all the way, or the appliances fail to operate correctly. When I first moved to my new/old apartment, I faced all of these minor annoyances. However, none were as alarming as one peculiar phenomenon: every time I used my microwave, the lights would flicker and dim until my food was done cooking. While my meal was always properly warmed and the lights always went back to normal, it was still a little unsettling. Was this indicative of a larger problem? Below, we’ll review the cause of my situation, as well as some other common reasons house lights go dim (other than your light dimmer switch, of course!).

Overloaded Circuit

If your lights dim when you are running an appliance, such as a dryer, air conditioner, or microwave like in my case, check to see if the lights are on the same circuit as the appliance. You might be simply dealing with an overloaded circuit – meaning your circuit is outdated or wired to run more appliances than it can handle. This is typically the case if you are living in an older abode. Although annoying, overloaded circuits due to appliance usage are common and not typically a danger. However, if you find that your lights are dimming beyond the use of the appliance, or if the appliance is tripping your circuit breaker, another reason could be behind the dimming. It’s time to call an electrician.

Problems with the Power Grid

Has your area experienced some bad weather lately? A transformer may have blown, or the service feed coming into your house may have been interrupted. Both are common occurrences during a storm. The problem may even be at the local utility substation. Brownouts (all-around dim lights) are not as common as blackouts, but they can happen when there is a city-wide power shortage or an unusually high demand for power.

Improper Wiring

Another reason your lights could be dimming unexpectedly is because the wiring throughout your home is outdated or insufficient to handle the amount of current it uses. When the electrical service has a demand for too much current, the voltage can drop, causing your lights to dim. Many older houses have this problem; they simply weren’t built to handle the electrical loads of today’s modern household, which typically features many devices or appliances that all require large amounts of power. If this is the case, you may require new wiring or a new service – ask an electrician.

Loose or Corroded Neutral Wire

If the lights in your house are fluctuating between bright and dim, you could have a more serious problem on your hands. You might have a loose or corroded neutral wire in your circuit breaker. The circuit breaker contains three wires: the first is red or black (the "hot" wire) the second is white (the "neutral" wire) and the third is a green or bare (the "ground” wire) which is only used for safety purposes. The first two wires are responsible for providing power to your household circuit. The neutral wire simply provides a return path to earth ground in the electrical panel to complete the circuit. A broken neutral wire means that the return path to the electrical panel is incomplete, which can cause imbalances in the two main power wires. When your lights brighten they are receiving too much voltage, and when they are dimming, they are receiving too little. If this problem worsens, your electrical devices could end up receiving far too much or too little power and become damaged. Loose or bad connections are the major cause of fires and other safety hazards. Contact an electrician as soon as possible.

Remember, these are just a few common reasons house lights go dim. There are, of course, many other possibilities. If you have continual trouble with dimming lights, always consult an electrician.

Have your house lights ever gone unexpectedly dim? What was the reason? Feel free to share with us in a comment or to drop us a line on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Pinterest!

While you may be tempted to have your eyes checked, there is more likely another explanation for why the lights in your home appear to dim every now and then. If you find this phenomenon occurs most often when you power on one or more of your appliances there may be a simple fix, or it may be a sign of a more serious issue that could be a fire safety hazard. Read on to learn why house lights dim when appliances turn on, and what you can do to protect your home and family.

Why Do My Lights Dim When I Turn on Appliances?

There are a number of DIY projects that handy homeowners can tackle on their own, but when it comes to electrical issues, the diagnosis and repair are best left to the experts. Here are some common causes of lights dimming along with tips to help you troubleshoot and find the right resolution to the problem.

Overloaded Circuits

Residential electrical circuits are limited in the amount of power they can each draw, and once the demand on a circuit has been exceeded it becomes overloaded. This is the most common cause of lights dimming in homes and is relatively simple to test. If your lights dim when your air conditioner, clothes dryer, or microwave turn on, check to see if the light in question is on the same circuit. Larger, fixed appliances should be placed on a dedicated circuit to avoid this issue, and Mr. Appliance® has a list of more appliance safety tips to ensure the safety of your home and family.

Improper or Faulty Wiring

Older homes with dated wiring may be unable to keep up the demands placed on them by modern-day appliances and electronics. Damaged or poorly installed wiring poses an equal risk, and if any of these are the cause of lights dimming in your home it's imperative that you have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system as soon as possible. Wiring that is corroded, frayed, loose, or improperly installed can cause dimming, but may also pose a risk of fire or electrocution.

Power Grid Issues

If you are asking yourself "Why do my lights dim when I turn on appliances?" there may be an issue with the power grid in your neighborhood. Abnormalities within the grid itself can impact the lighting in your home and may be caused by an increased demand on your local resources.

Old Bulbs

As your lightbulbs approach the end of their lifespan, the intensity starts to lessen as components weaken or fail. The filaments inside incandescent bulbs can become brittle, resulting in a flickering of the light, and this issue can easily be rectified by removing the older bulb and replacing it with a new one.

Corroded or Loose Neutral Wire

One or more lighting fixtures consistently fluctuating between bright and dim is a safety concern that may result in a fire, and is most likely caused by a corroded or loose neutral wire at the main breaker and unrelated to your appliance usage. Contact your local power company or a licensed electrician for a more accurate diagnosis and repair. Our Neighborly partner, Rainbow International, has information on other hidden causes of house fires here.

The licensed technicians at Mr. Electric, a fellow Neighborly company, can determine the cause of lights dimming in your home and make any necessary repairs. If there are no issues with your electrical system but your appliance keeps causing a problem, call Mr. Appliance for fast, reliable appliance repair at (888) 998-2011 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on individuals, families, and organizations across the country, and upon reopening, business owners and managers are faced with multiple challenges that include reestablishing supply chains, updating employee training and safety protocols, and ensuring that dormant appliances are in good working order. The appliance repair experts at Mr. Appliance® are here to help, with advice on what to look for, and tips to resolve any issues you may encounter along the way.

Dormant Appliance Checklist

Whether you own a restaurant, daycare, hotel, salon, or other business that utilizes residential appliances as part of your daily routine, a prolonged period of dormancy can take its toll. The best time to deal with any maintenance or repair issues is before you begin operations, to prevent further damage and avoid disruption to your business. Use the checklist below to troubleshoot these common appliances and perform much-needed maintenance, and be sure to call the team at Mr. Appliance for fast, reliable appliance repair services at the first sign of an issue.

Washer

Appliances that use water, including your washing machine, are at risk for a number of water-related issues including mold, mildew, and leakage. Before turning the machine back on for the first time, check the following:

Perform a visual inspection in and around the machine for signs of standing water or leakage. Inside the machine, the water is below the inner basket.
It’s hard to tell whether it’s moldy or not just by looking. If you cannot see mold or mildew, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Take note of foul odors that may be indicative of stale water, mold or mildew growth.
It’s also hard to see whether you have a leak, especially because many leaks are under half a gallon and dry up quickly.
Inspect hoses for signs of damage from rodents or other pests. Unfortunately, several hoses are either below or inside the machine, making it difficult for the average person to inspect. If you suspect interior damage, you’ll need to call in a professional.

Washer Maintenance Tips

A good way to regularly maintain your washing machine is to periodically run a cycle on the hottest water setting with the highest water level. Add a cup of bleach for the first cycle, and then run it once more with just one cup of vinegar. This will help immensely with preventing musty smells.
Replace damaged or worn hoses as soon as you become aware of any damage.
Wipe out the inner tub, door seals, and exterior with a simple solution of water and bleach. For proper dilution ratios, refer to the bottle of bleach you intend to use as concentrations may vary.

Dryer

If you notice your dryer isn't working correctly, check the following:

Perform a visual inspection to ensure the vent hose is connected and free from damage. This should include a visual inspection of the outside vent hood from the exterior of your home.
Look for signs of an animal infestation such as feces or damage to the vent hose.

Dryer Maintenance Tips

Clean the lint trap and wipe down the exterior.
Test system operations.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers are hardworking appliances that are typically used each day or every few days, and after a period of inactivity, plastic or rubber components may dry out and become brittle. Other potential problems include:

Dishwasher hums but won't start – The motor may become stuck in place over time.
Foul odors – These be caused by standing water or mold or mildew.
Water leakage – Hoses may become brittle, or there could be rodent damage leading to a water leak.

Dishwasher Maintenance Tips

Check the dishwasher interior and seals for signs of mold or mildew, and wipe down with a solution of vinegar and water.
Check hoses for signs of damage or water leakage. It’s difficult to inspect anything besides the drain hose under the sink, so it’s a good idea to call a professional if you think the issue will require taking the appliance apart.
Use a commercial dishwasher cleaning tablet and run a sanitize cycle.

Refrigerator/Freezer

If the unit was left running there should be no issues with system operation—but in the event of a power outage or if you voluntarily shut it off, there may be mold growth, or the fan may be locked up which will require the services of a skilled refrigeration specialist.

The experienced, certified team at Mr. Appliance provides expert appliance maintenance and repair services that can help to get your business up and running after a prolonged closure due to COVID-19. Call us at 1-888-998-2011 or contact us online today!

July 22, 2020

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