Flickering lights from faux or real candles can add instant ambience to any room, but flicking light bulbs? Not so much.

Here are helpful tips for discerning whether your flickering light is cause for concern or a quick fix you can handle yourself.

Start with the bulb. First, find out what type of bulb you’re dealing with. Florescent bulbs tend to flicker due to a variety of common factors, including extreme temperatures, the bulb burning out while in use, and the way phosphors power up to reach maximum level. If your florescent bulbs flicker now and then and you’re not experiencing other electrical problems, it probably isn’t a cause for concern or swift action.

LED bulbs on dimmer switches can flicker because the dimmers are often made to handle a higher electrical load. The best way to remedy or prevent LED flickering is to take an inventory of your existing dimmer makes and models and cross check the bulb’s compatibility to ensure you get a steady stream of light without flickering.

Try the old “righty-tighty” method. In many cases, the easiest way to stop a flickering bulb is to ensure that it’s been screwed in correctly. Twist it tightly enough into the socket so that it makes the necessary connection, but not so tight that it’s difficult to unscrew, as that could cause the bulb to shatter in your hands. Keep in mind that a bulb can loosen over time and may need periodic re-tightening.

Check the connections. A loose connection between the on and off switch in your lamp could cause the bulb to flicker. Simply turn on the light fixture and wiggle the switch gently to see if it prompts a flicker. If so, replace it to put an end to the problem. Another scenario could be a loose connection between the outlet and plug. Turn the fixture off, unplug it, and adjust the metal prongs so that they fit more securely in the outlet.

Are large appliances to blame? If you notice lights flickering or dimming when a large appliance is running, it could mean that the overall voltage is fluctuating too frequently, that you have an overload on the same circuit, or your home’s electrical usage exceeds what your panel can handle. In this case, it’s best to call a pro.

Check the neighborhood. Don’t forget that your home shares a transformer with other homes. Lights can flicker due to strong winds, fallen branches or downed trees, as well as your neighbor’s heavier than normal electrical usage. Check with your neighbors or your utility company for any reports of similar issues or power outages.

Outdated electrical could be to blame. Outdated, loose, or damaged wiring is one of the leading causes of residential fires in the U.S. If none of the suggestions above resolve the problem, it’s time to call an electrician to pinpoint the cause. Loose service conductors in your main panel, an outdated breaker box with a switch failure or worn connectors and frayed or damaged wiring hidden behind walls can all quickly turn into a fire hazard.

No matter what’s going on with your electrical fixtures and systems that doesn’t feel quite right, don’t take chances. Instead, contact Excel Electric for prompt scheduling our customer satisfaction guarantee.