Having a light fixture problem can be a little scary and sometimes even dangerous. What’s worse, some problems stay hidden until there’s major damage.
Whether you’re experiencing flickering lights, hearing buzzing noises, or you’re having light switch problems, our Lakeland Mister Sparky electricians can diagnose and repair the problem. Here are some light fixture problems you may face and what to do about them.
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Flickering or dimming lights can be as simple a problem as having a loose bulb. To fix it, screw the bulb in tightly. Other possible causes of flickering or dimming lights may be a poor connection or faulty switches.
Because Lakeland gets frequent summer storms, power surges can be triggers. However, if the problem continues, you may have a bigger issue, such as faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit.
2. Buzzing or Humming Sounds
Buzzing or humming sounds are typically caused by loose wiring, faulty ballasts, or dimmer switch incompatibility. If you hear strange sounds coming from your light fixtures, contact our Lakeland Mister Sparky electricians immediately. Ignoring these sounds can lead to overheating or even electrical fires, caused by electrical arcing.
3. Burned-Out Bulbs Too Frequently
When your bulb burns out faster than it should, it’s often due to overheating from installing a light bulb with a higher wattage than the fixture allows. You may also have an enclosed fixture, which traps heat and leads to poor ventilation.
According to Florida Power & Light (FPL), voltage fluctuations are common in Florida neighborhoods. Unfortunately, these fluctuations can shorten a bulb’s lifespan. Luckily, the wrong wattage and poor ventilation issues are easy fixes.
However, if you notice your bulbs keep burning out due to high voltage, contact a Lakeland electrician to inspect your system. You may have an outdated panel or faulty wiring.
4. Light Switch Problems
Switches that feel hot to the touch or ones that produce cracking or sparking sounds should be replaced immediately, as they are fire hazards. These issues often stem from overheating caused by faulty wiring, overloading, or loose connections.
If there’s a delay when you turn on your lights, that’s also a sign of a faulty switch. If you have a faulty switch, don’t use it. Contact an electrician to replace it immediately.
5. Loose or Wobbly Fixtures
Loose or wobbly fixtures are hazards as they can cause electrical shorts, fires, and falls. A ceiling fan is especially vulnerable in humid regions, like Lakeland. The humid air can speed up the breakdown of parts, causing them to weaken or break midair.
These problems may be due to poor installation, worn-out parts, or constant vibrations. To prevent wobbly fixtures, use manufacturer-recommended mounting hardware and install the fixture correctly. For peace of mind, let a professional electrician handle the job.
6. Discolored or Overheated Light Fixtures
Discolored or overheated light fixtures are often a sign of overheating or faulty wiring. You may also notice burn marks on your ceilings or on the walls near the faulty fixture.
Any discoloration means the area is overheating. This is especially hazardous, and you should call an electrician immediately. Ignoring the problem could result in an electrical fire.
7. Outdated or Inefficient Fixtures
Outdated or inefficient fixtures can pose several problems. One problem is that old fixtures may struggle to support modern LED bulbs.
They may also have trouble handling the demand of modern appliances, like computers and smart gadgets. To address this problem, Lakeland homeowners can upgrade their lighting fixtures and electrical systems to more energy-efficient options. Besides lowering your utility bill, this upgrade can also enhance your home’s aesthetics.
How Lakeland’s Climate Affects Light Fixtures
Lakeland, Florida, is humid for about six and a half months of the year. This humidity can cause rust and corrode your electrical components at a much faster rate than normal.
Moreover, the summer’s frequent storms can lead to power surges and electrical damage. The region’s salt air affects your light fixtures, too. The salty air can accelerate the decay of metal fixtures and damage seals.
When to Call a Pro
You should call an electrician immediately if you see these signs:
- Burn marks around the fixtures
- Warm fixtures
- Crackling or sparking fixtures
- Buzzing or humming sounds coming from the fixtures
- Burning smells
You should also take a safety-first approach when diagnosing any fixture issues. Turn off all the power and then visually inspect the problematic fixture. If the problem isn’t a simple fix, like a loose light bulb, contact a professional.
A professional will diagnose the issue and make repairs. It’s also a good idea to schedule routine electrical inspections to prevent hazards before they start.
Some benefits of routine inspections include:
- Reduces costly and bigger repairs
- Extends the lifespan of your fixtures
- Prevents accidents, like electrical shocks
- Prevents electrical fires
- Ensures your electrical system complies with local codes
FAQs About Light Fixture Problems
Why do my lights keep flickering even with new bulbs?
You may have a loose wire, or it could be an incompatible light switch. If the flickering is contained to just one bulb, it could be a faulty socket or wiring. If more than one light is flickering, it could be a voltage overload, faulty wiring, or unstable voltage in your home.
Is a buzzing light fixture dangerous?
Yes, a buzzing light fixture can be dangerous as it often means loose wires or a faulty component that could lead to an electrical fire. It could also be due to an overloaded circuit.
How do I know if a light switch needs replacing?
If your light switch makes unusual noises, feels hot to the touch, is discolored, causes the light to flicker, or has visible damage, you should replace it.
Can old light fixtures damage my home wiring?
Yes, old light fixtures can damage your home’s wiring in a number of ways. They can overheat when you install modern lightbulbs, they can cause electrical shocks, and they may be a fire hazard. In addition, they may not be able to handle modern loads, resulting in short circuits.
What’s the safest way to upgrade to LED fixtures?
The safest way to upgrade to LED fixtures is to hire a licensed electrician to perform the job. Licensed electricians use the right tools, have a safety-first approach, and can ensure your electrical system complies with local codes.
Our Licensed Electricians Can Help!
Lakeland homeowners have a lot to think about when it comes to their light fixtures. Whether their fixtures are old or it’s due to the salty air and humid climate, their fixtures are probably wearing out faster than they should.
Don’t put up with any malarky, though! Our electricians at Lakeland Mister Sparky can make sure your light fixtures and electrical system never give you problems. Our goal is to catch issues early, before they become a headache.
Worried about your problematic light fixtures? Contact Mister Sparky of Lakeland, FL for light fixture repair and inspection services. Our Lakeland’s on-time electrician will be prompt, courteous, and professional.