Why Do My Lights Flicker When the AC Comes On?
Have you noticed your lights flickering when you turn your AC on? Probably. The truth is that it is a very common occurrence and usually something that you don’t need to be worried about. But sometimes it could be a sign of a more serious problem with your electrics. So, why are your lights flickering when your AC starts, and how can you prevent it from happening?
What Happens to Your Lights When the AC Turns On?
Air conditioning (AC) units require a huge amount of energy to start up and often use more electricity than other household appliances.
Your home’s electrical system has a limited amount of energy and can only be used to power a certain number of things at one time.
So, when you turn on your AC, the sudden heavy load on the electrical system may mean some power is temporarily taken from elsewhere. In this case, it could be taking power from your lights which will cause them to briefly flicker.
Starting up your AC can also cause a short voltage drop on the rest of the house. This is because the AC compressor draws a large amount of electricity to start – called an inrush current – and this sudden surge of power causes a temporary dip in the voltage supplied to the other appliances in the home.
Is This a Problem?
Lights flickering when your AC turns on is normal, typically only last for a fraction of a second, and should only dim your lights slightly (around 3-5%). If this is the case for you, it’s probably nothing to worry about and you can easily live with it.
However, there are certain signs to watch out for which signal that flickering lights when your AC turns on is the byproduct of a bigger problem. These include:
- – Lights rapidly turning on and off for a prolonged period
- – Buzzing and crackling sounds
- – Lights losing half or more of their brightness
If you notice any of these things, it may be time to call an electrician. They could be a sign of:
- – Damaged wires – this is a fire hazard and can cause more severe damage to your electrical system
- – An overloaded circuit – can cause fires or electric shocks
- – A weak or broken AC capacitor – An AC capacitor supplies energy to the air conditioning once it is up and running. If your capacitor is weak or broken, it can cause your electrics to trip or prevent your AC from working altogether
How Do I Stop Lights Flickering When AC Turns On?
Your lights flickering slightly and only for a few seconds when you switch your AC on is generally not a problem. But if it is impacting you, you may need to have the AC capacitor or entire unit replaced.
Another option could be to install an AC soft starter which will reduce the initial surge of electricity when you turn your AC on. This could be particularly beneficial for households powered by solar energy or homes with older electrical systems.
In some homes with older electrical systems, the system may not be able to cope with high power surges and could be more prone to overloaded circuits. In this case, the whole circuit may need re-wiring.
When to Call a Professional?
You should never attempt to repair, replace, or install any electrical system yourself. Instead, give our team at Radiance Electrical a call and we can inspect your AC unit and give you some solutions to stop the lights flickering.
We are a trusted local provider of electrical services across Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches offering a range of services to keep your home safe and running effectively.
If you are having issues with your AC, contact us using the form on this page or by calling 02 9188 8537 and we can send a professional to inspect it as soon as possible.
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