Most things in your home run on electricity—from charging your electronics 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 run.

The question remains: Do dimming or flickering lights at the beginning of HVAC cycles indicate a serious electrical problem? It differs depending on the situation.

When are dimming or flickering lights considered normal?

If you’re seeing dimming that lasts for a fraction of a second when your HVAC begins, it probably 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 major amount of electricity to start up. When those appliances turn on, they consume 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 tired of the flickering, schedule an appointment with Temp Air System Inc.. We’ll assess the situation and see if equipment upgrades or circuit changes can help the problem.

When should I be concerned about flickering lights?

Flickering lights can also indicate a more serious matter. Don’t assess the situation yourself. The problem could be dangerous for you or your home. Reach out to a professional if you experience:

  • Lights that continue to flicker. The normal flickering that takes place when there isn’t enough power to support 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 consistently at any other time—you could have a problem with your wiring.
  • Lights that dim significantly. When you experience normal dimming, the effect is enough that you notice a small, brief change. If the intensity of your lights abruptly drops considerably, you might have something wrong with the outdoor compressor on your air conditioner.
  • A circuit breaker trip when you turn on your HVAC. Circuit breakers are a key part of your home’s electrical system. When they trip and shut off power to a part of your space (powered by a specific circuit), they are attempting to protect you from a concern with your circuit. While it may be that you have too many appliances on the same circuit, it’s wise to bring a professional in to confirm there isn’t a more serious problem.

Any time your HVAC system and lights don’t work together, it’s not a bad idea to call a professional in to take a look. The team at Temp Air System Inc. is here to offer you the help you need. When you need us, you can give us a call or make an appointment online. We’ll make sure everything is in order so you can feel safe in your home.

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Temp Air Heating & Cooling
Temp Air Heating & Cooling

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