Lights flicker for various reasons. If you notice a light flickering when your air conditioner turns on, you’re not alone. Should you worry?
As a superior HVAC specialist in Humble, TX, Crew Heating & Cooling explores the primary reasons a light may flicker when you power up the AC unit. Keep reading for practical tips on addressing and resolving the issue, along with guidance on when to call in the experts.
Do Lights Usually Flicker When Your Air Conditioner Comes On?
It’s common for lights to flicker when your cooling system comes on. Why does this happen? Your AC unit typically requires substantial electricity to start up.
This sudden spike in demand for electricity can cause your voltage to drop momentarily, resulting in flickering lights. As the cooling system stabilizes, the voltage should return to normal, and the flickering should stop.
However, constant or severe flickering may point to a more significant issue that needs professional attention. In such cases, don’t hesitate to consult a certified electrician. Only a seasoned professional can assess your electrical system and perform the necessary repairs or upgrades.
Symptoms of a Major Air Conditioner Issue
If you notice lights flickering persistently or severely, common culprits include:
Faulty Wiring
Outdated or faulty wiring can cause various electrical problems, including voltage drops. If you notice persistent flickering, you may need to repair or replace your wiring.
Overloaded Circuit
If the circuit powering both your AC unit and lights becomes overloaded, it can cause flickering lights. This issue poses a safety risk and can damage your electrical system over time.
Damaged or Weakened AC Capacitor
Like a faulty car battery, a compromised AC capacitor can cause a significant drop in electrical power, leading to your lights flickering. When you have an issue with your AC capacitor, hire an expert to check your system.
Low Voltage
When you notice a light flickering when your air conditioner turns on, you may have insufficient voltage supplied to your Humble, Texas, property. This issue may stem from problems with the power grid or a faulty transformer delivering power to your home.
How To Prevent Lights From Flickering When You Turn on the Air Conditioner in Your Humble, TX Home
Lights flickering whenever the air conditioner turns on can frustrate any homeowner in Humble, Texas. Fortunately, you can take steps to address the issue. The following easy steps can help you prevent lights from flickering:
Ensure Proper Electrical Connections
Loose or damaged electrical connections may cause drops in voltage and flickering lights. Secure all electrical connections related to your air conditioner and lighting fixtures. Consult a certified electrician if you need help with any electrical work.
Upgrade Wiring If Necessary
If you suspect wiring issues are behind your lights flickering, hire a qualified electrician to inspect and upgrade your wiring if necessary.
Enhance Stability With Voltage Stabilizers
Consider installing voltage stabilizers, also known as voltage regulators or surge protectors, to regulate and stabilize the voltage supply to your home. These devices effectively minimize voltage fluctuations and prevent lights from flickering.
Maintain Balanced Electrical Loads
Prevent circuit overloads by evenly distributing electrical loads throughout your home. Consider allocating dedicated circuits for high-power appliances to avoid straining your electrical system.
Seek Expert Assistance
Should flickering lights persist, reach out to an experienced electrician or HVAC technician. With their training and expertise, they can effectively diagnose and resolve any underlying electrical or AC system issues.
The Bottom Line
If your lights dim or flicker for less than a second and lose about 5% of their brightness, then you probably have nothing to worry about. However, significant light dimming, constant flickering, or brightening before flickering could indicate a more significant problem.
Whatever the case, avoid DIY fixes when dealing with electrical issues relating to your air conditioner or light systems. Always hire a licensed and experienced electrician or HVAC technician to ensure safety and proper resolution.
Professional HVAC Services in Humble, Texas
Now that you understand what happens when there’s a light flickering when your air conditioner turns on, you can try to resolve the issue and prevent future problems or reach out to a professional for help.
Trouble with your heating or cooling system? Trust Crew Heating & Cooling for top-tier HVAC solutions. We can handle all HVAC issues, whether it involves a liquid line on an AC, a malfunctioning thermostat, or compressor failures.
Call Crew Heating & Cooling at (832) 345-1696 to schedule HVAC service in Humble, TX.