Why do my lights flicker?
Occasional flicker when a big appliance starts (AC, dryer) is usually normal — a brief voltage dip. Lights that flicker constantly, in one room, or across the whole house are a connection problem until proven otherwise: a loose wire, a failing breaker, or a deteriorating service connection. Whole-house flicker is the one to take seriously — a loose service connection can arc and overheat.
Likely causes
- Failing bulb or LED driver — One flickering fixture is almost always the bulb or its driver, not your wiring.
- Loose connection — A loose wire nut, outlet, or switch connection in one room — flicker that changes when you tap the switch.
- Overloaded circuit — Flicker synced with a space heater, microwave, or hair dryer on the same circuit.
- Service or panel problem — Whole-house flicker, worse in wind or weather — utility connection or main panel. This one is a fire risk.
What you can check yourself
- Narrow it down: one bulb, one room, or the whole house? The pattern is most of the diagnosis.
- Swap the bulb first if it's a single fixture — cheap certainty.
- Note whether flicker syncs with an appliance starting, and tell the electrician — it saves troubleshooting time.
Typical cost
An electrician's troubleshooting visit in Atlanta, GA typically runs $150–$350. Loose-connection repairs $150–$400; panel-level repairs cost more and should come with a written scope.
When to call a pro
Whole-house flickering, flicker plus buzzing or a burning smell at the panel, or lights that brighten as others dim — call an electrician promptly, and mention 'possible lost neutral'; they'll understand the urgency.
Electrician pros in Atlanta, GA
- McCall Enterprises · 260 Peachtree St NW Ste 2200, Atlanta, GA · 7704846402
- Electrical Contractors of Georgia · 235 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA · +17708700530
- Atlanta Metro Electric · 41 Marietta St NW Unit 414, Atlanta, GA · 4044093383
- Williams Underground Utility · 1099 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA · (404) 622-9869
- Richardson Electric · 770 Deckner Ave SW, Atlanta, GA · +12677303376
- Mbec Atlanta Inc · 489 Stephens St SW, Atlanta, GA · 4047588989
- Wright-brown Electric Company · 1111 Hank Aaron Dr SW, Atlanta, GA · +14046886449
- SLK Automation · 1485 Lanier Pl NE, Atlanta, GA · (404) 892-1323
Get free quotes from Atlanta, GA pros →
Data by Servik — verified local pros from official license records and public sources. Cost figures are typical ranges, not quotes; a pro's written estimate is the real number.