Lights flickering when the air conditioner turns on can be an annoying and potentially dangerous problem. It is nothing to take lightly, as flickering lights can cause power surges that may damage your home’s electrical wiring and even start a fire.
Fortunately, there are several solutions to this issue which are relatively simple and inexpensive. In this blog post, we will explain detail how to stop lights from flickering when ac turns on and provide a few solutions to the problem.
What Causes Flickering Lights When AC Turns On?
Before delving into how to stop lights from flickering when ac turns on, it is important to understand why this issue occurs in the first place. The primary cause of flickering lights when the air conditioner (AC) comes on is often a drop in the electrical current that occurs when the AC starts up. This results in a power surge that can cause lights to flicker and may even trip circuit breakers or blow fuses.
9 Best Ways on How to Stop Lights From Flickering When AC Turn On
1. Diagnosing the Problem:
The first step in solving this problem is to diagnose exactly what is causing the lights to flicker. Many homeowners assume that it’s the AC itself, but this is not always the case. Other common causes of flickering lights include loose wiring, damaged circuit breakers or outlets, and electrical problems in your home’s circuitry. It is important to identify the cause of the flicker before attempting to fix it.
2. Check Your Circuit Breakers:
If you suspect that a lack of power is causing your lights to flicker, check the circuit breakers in your home’s electrical box. If any of them are tripped or blown, reset or replace them as necessary. Sometimes a faulty circuit breaker can cause flickering lights, so if you find that one of yours is bad, replace it with a new one.
3. Upgrade Your Circuit Breakers:
If your circuit breakers are old or inadequate, consider upgrading them to accommodate the additional load created by the AC unit. This will help ensure that there is enough power available to prevent flickering lights when the AC turns on. While upgrading your circuit breakers is an additional expense, it will likely be worth it in the long run as it can help prevent future problems.
4. Install Uninterrupted Power Supply:
An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is a device that helps maintain consistent electrical current and prevents flickering lights when the AC comes on. A UPS works by supplying additional power to your home’s electrical system when the AC is running. This helps prevent any sudden drops in current that can cause flickering lights.
5. Install Surge Protectors:
Surge protectors are a great way to prevent power surges from damaging your electronics and causing flickering lights when AC turns on. Install surge protectors at key points throughout your home’s electrical system, such as near the AC unit and in rooms with sensitive electronics.
6. Run Dedicated Lines:
If you are having persistent problems with flickering lights when AC turns on, consider running dedicated lines to the air conditioner. This will ensure that the AC unit has its own dedicated power source, which can help prevent flickering lights and other electrical problems.
7. Install a Motor Soft Starter:
A motor soft starter is a device that can be installed in the AC’s circuit to reduce the initial surge of electricity when it turns on. This will help prevent flickering lights and other electrical issues when the AC is running.
8. Install a Whole-House Surge Protector:
A whole-house surge protector is an effective solution to many common power problems, including flickering lights when AC turns on. This device will protect your home’s wiring and electronics from damaging power surges caused by the AC unit.
9. Contact a Professional Electrician:
If none of the above solutions works, you may need to contact an electrician to inspect your home’s electrical system and diagnose any underlying problems. An electrician can provide advice on the best course of action and help ensure that your home is safe and free from electrical hazards.
Following these steps will help to ensure that your lights no longer flicker when the air conditioner turns on and that your home’s electrical system is safe and secure. If you have any questions or concerns about power issues in your home, it is important to contact a professional for advice. A qualified electrician can provide the expertise and assistance needed to solve any electrical problems you may be experiencing.
Additional Tips and Tricks to Stop Lights From Flickering When AC Turns on
1. Install an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR):
Installing an AVR is the best way to prevent lights from flickering when your AC turns on. An AVR moderates the voltage fluctuations in your electrical circuit, ensuring that the power is consistently at a safe level for your lights and other devices.
2. Use LED Lights:
LED lights draw much less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and are more resistant to voltage fluctuations. Replacing your old-fashioned bulbs with LED alternatives can help reduce light flickering when the AC starts up or shuts down.
3. Clean Your Air Filters Regularly:
Dirty air filters impede airflow, causing your AC system to work harder to reach its desired temperature. The strain created by the additional work can cause voltage fluctuations and light flickering. Make sure to clean or replace your air filters regularly for optimal performance.
4. Schedule Professional Maintenance:
Schedule a professional AC maintenance visit at least once per year to ensure that your system is running correctly. A technician can detect any underlying issues that may be causing the flickering and help you find a viable solution.
5. Purchase a High-Quality Surge Protector:
An AC system can draw more energy than necessary, creating a surge in voltage that affects your lights. Investing in a quality surge protector is an inexpensive way to keep any sudden spikes from reaching your lights and other devices.
These tips can help you minimize or even eliminate the light flickering that sometimes occurs when you turn on your AC. Taking simple steps like cleaning air filters, using LED lights, and investing in surge protectors can make a big difference in the performance of your system. If issues persist, contact a professional technician to ensure your electrical system is running safely and efficiently.
Things Should Consider While Trying to Stop Light From Flickering When AC Turns on
1. Check the Wiring:
The most common problem associated with flickering lights is faulty wiring. This can be a result of bad connections, or it could be due to loose wires that are not providing enough power for the light fixture. It is important to check all wiring throughout your home and make sure that everything is properly connected and secure in order to prevent flickering.
2. Check for Any Switches That Could Be Causing the Issue:
Sometimes, a switch in your home can be sending too much power to the lights when you turn on the air conditioning. This can cause the lights to flicker as it struggles to provide enough energy for them. Make sure all of your switches are securely in place and that no additional power is being sent to the light fixtures.
3. Make Sure Your Air Conditioner Filter is Clean:
One of the most common causes of flickering lights when the AC turns on is a dirty air conditioner filter. The filter can become clogged, which restricts airflow and causes the unit to work harder, thus creating a surge in power that causes the lights to flicker. Make sure to clean or replace your filters regularly in order to prevent this from happening.
4. Check for Any Faulty Circuits:
Faulty circuits are a common cause of flickering lights when an AC unit is turned on. This can be caused by wiring that is faulty or has become worn. It can also be the result of a circuit breaker being broken, which can cause an overload in power and lead to flickering lights. Check all your circuits and make sure they are working properly in order to prevent this issue from occurring.
5. Make Sure Your Ac Unit is Properly Grounded:
If your air conditioning unit is not properly grounded, it can cause a surge in electricity that will lead to flickering lights. Make sure your AC unit is connected to a properly grounded outlet and that there are no other sources of power being sent to the unit. This will ensure that the lights remain stable when the AC turns on.
Following these considerations can help you troubleshoot and prevent the flickering lights issue when your AC turns on. Make sure to check all wiring, switches, filters, and circuits in order to ensure that the power is correctly flowing throughout your home.
Conclusion
Knowing how to stop lights from flickering when ac turns on is important for ensuring the safety and efficiency of your system. Taking simple steps like cleaning air filters, using LED lights, and investing in surge protectors can make a big difference in the performance of your AC unit.
If issues persist, contact a professional technician to ensure your electrical system is running safely and efficiently.