Picture this: You’re winding down for the day in the late evening, relaxing among the glow of lamps, when your LED bulbs suddenly turn your home into an unwanted rave! Flickering lights can be fun in certain situations, but they’re a major annoyance when your lights unexpectedly go haywire.
While you might initially brush off the concern, you shouldn’t ignore flickering LED lights. Failing to fix the problem can lead to ongoing eye strain, headaches, and other issues that steal your peace.
So, what gives? Why do LED lights flicker, and how do you fix them? Miami’s on-time electrician, Mister Sparky, is here to provide answers.
Understanding LED Flickering
LED lights have grown immensely in popularity over the last couple of decades. In 2025, estimates say that nearly half of all U.S. households will use LED bulbs for most indoor fixtures. It’s not hard to see why! LED lighting is significantly more energy-efficient than the old-school incandescents of yesteryear. Plus, bulbs can last up to 50 times longer.
Right now, the only thing on your mind is likely, “Why do LED lights flicker?” The truth is that all lights flicker. However, they often flicker so fast that the change is imperceptible to the human eye. You see, this phenomenon is a byproduct of an alternating current (AC) power source, which is what most of the outlets in your home deliver.
We won’t get into the technical weeds of AC power here. What you need to know is that AC changes directions many times per second, flowing one way before reversing itself. That alternating current causes bulbs to lose power for a fraction of a second.
So, why don’t you see flickering all the time? Well, the frequency of AC power makes the switch so fast that you can’t detect it. Generally, a frequency above 100 Hz makes the flicker invisible. You may notice it if the frequency falls below 100 Hz. The flicker is frustratingly present once it plummets to 50 Hz or less.
Flickering was a common problem in the early days of LED lighting. Today, advancements in LED drivers make it a non-issue for most, but that doesn’t mean issues won’t arise.
Common Causes of LED Flickering
Why do LED lights flicker? Flickering LED lights is a complex issue with many potential causes. Let’s look at some of the most common.
Incompatible Dimmer Switches
Flickering will likely occur if you place your LED lights on a circuit with an outdated and incompatible dimmer switch. Older dimmer switches are purpose-built for incandescent bulbs, often working by modulating the AC waveform. Simply put, they change how bulbs receive power to adjust brightness.
However, with LED technology’s low energy usage and instant on/off capabilities, that approach to dimming lights doesn’t work with modern LED bulbs. If you want to use a dimmer, upgrade to one designed for LED lighting.
Loose Wiring or Loose Bulbs
LED bulbs can seem finicky because they require so little energy to operate. If the connections are even slightly off, flickering can occur.
Loose bulbs will have an inconsistent connection to power. If that’s not the culprit, loose wiring within the panel or fixture could deprive your bulbs of reliable power.
LED Driver Failure or Degradation
The driver within your LED lights is the brains of the operation. It serves a few different purposes. The most important is converting AC power to DC power, preventing flickering. Drivers also protect the diodes from current and voltage fluctuations. Drivers can degrade and fail like any other circuitry, causing damage and flickering.
Voltage Fluctuations
Voltage fluctuations can cause all kinds of trouble. Power surges or voltage drops can affect the functionality of your LED lights.
High-quality drivers should protect the bulb, but repeated issues will damage them. That inconsistent power delivery often manifests as noticeable flickering.
Low-Quality or Incompatible LED Bulbs
We’ve already discussed the importance of your LED bulb’s driver. Unfortunately, low-quality bulbs use inferior drivers, making them more susceptible to faulty operation. While higher-quality bulbs cost more, they use drivers built to last.
Incompatible bulbs could also present a problem. When you use a fixture made for incandescent bulbs or different power requirements, you’ll experience flickering, buzzing, and a much shorter bulb lifespan.
How to Fix Flickering LED Bulbs
No matter the cause of your flickering LED lights, there’s a lot you can do to stop the light show once and for all. Follow these tips from Mister Spark, Miami’s on-time electrician, to fix the problem and enjoy consistent lighting.
Replace or Upgrade the Dimmer
When an incompatible dimmer is the source of your lighting woes, your best bet is to invest in an upgrade. Replacing your older dimmer switch with an LED-compatible model will allow you to control brightness on your terms, minus the flickering. The electricians at Mister Sparky can help you choose a compatible dimmer before handling the logistics of replacement and installation.
Check and Tighten Connections
You’d be surprised by how often the answer to “Why do LED lights flicker?” is loose connections. Tighten all bulbs and check connection points to ensure nothing is wobbly or improperly installed.
You can also turn off the circuit’s power and check the entire fixture to see if loose wires are causing trouble. If you need help, the Mister Sparky team can do the heavy lifting and solve connection issues.
Replace Faulty Bulbs or Drivers
If all else fails, consider replacing your bulb. When you do, invest in something better. The cheapest option you see might be enticing, but those low-quality drivers can give you headaches later. Higher-quality LED bulbs use premium drivers that can last 50,000 hours or more, all while providing flicker-free illumination.
Reduce Load on Circuit
Overloaded circuits are notorious for producing voltage fluctuations that affect LED lighting. Consider reducing the circuit’s load. Move high-demand appliances to another circuit and avoid using a mess of extension cords or power strips. Too much strain on a circuit isn’t great for your LEDs. Furthermore, overloading can be dangerous.
Turn to Mister Sparky for Lighting Solutions That Work
Prolonged exposure to flickering LED lights isn’t great for your long-term health and comfort. You don’t have to settle for it. Apply our tips or call Mister Sparky, Miami’s on-time electrician, for expert help.
We proudly serve homeowners throughout Greater Miami, providing many services to keep your home safe and the lights on. Whether you’re struggling to figure out what’s causing your LED lights to flicker or want to install a brand-new energy-efficient fixture, we do all. From light fixture installation to problem-solving and circuit repair, you can trust us to meet your needs.
Final Thoughts
LED lighting is a fantastic upgrade that can lead to plenty of cost savings. However, issues like flickering can make those perks the least of your priorities. Instead of asking yourself, “Why do LED lights flicker in my house?” take action and call Mister Sparky! Let us help you get the most out of your LED lights and show you why we’re known as Miami’s on-time electrician.