Licensed & Insured
Licensed in GA, SC, & FL. Rest easy knowing we are fully insured and well-trained.
Locally Owned
Locally owned & operated. Electricians serving Savannah & surrounding areas.
Since 1972
Serving Savannah, Georgia and the surrounding areas since 1972. Incorporated in 1975.
Flickering LED Bulbs
At Joyner Electric and Security, we’ve spent over 50 years keeping Savannah and the surrounding Lowcountry “out of the dark.” One of the most common calls across all areas from historic downtown to a new build in Pooler sounds like this: we get lately sounds like this: “I just upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs, but now they won’t stop flickering. Are my lights possessed?”
While it might feel like a scene from a ghost story, flickering LEDs usually have a very logical (and fixable) explanation. LEDs are much more sensitive to power fluctuations than the old incandescent bulbs we grew up with.
Here are the 5 most common reasons your LED bulbs are acting up and what you can do about it.
1. Incompatible Dimmer Switches
This is the #1 reason for flickering. Most older dimmer switches were designed for “high-load” incandescent bulbs. Because LEDs draw so little power, those old dimmers often can’t “read” the bulb correctly, leading to a stuttering light or a buzzing sound.
The Fix: Ensure you are using a dimmer switch specifically rated for LED loads. If you’re not sure, give us a call—we swap these out for homeowners in Savannah and Pooler every week!
2. Loose Connections or "Tired" Sockets
Sometimes the simplest answer is the right one. If a bulb isn’t seated perfectly in the socket, or if the metal tab at the bottom of the fixture has lost its “spring,” the connection can be intermittent.
The Fix: Turn the light off, let it cool, and ensure the bulb is screwed in tight. If it flickers when you walk by or close a door, you likely have a loose wire behind the fixture that needs professional tightening.
3. Large Appliance "Voltage Dips"
Do your lights flicker right when the AC kicks on or the refrigerator compressor starts up? This happens because large appliances draw a massive “inrush” of current. While old bulbs might just dim for a split second, the electronics inside an LED driver might reset or flicker.
The Fix: This could indicate your electrical panel is struggling to keep up. We specialize in Electrical Panel Upgrades to ensure your home can handle modern power demands.
4. Low-Quality "Bargain" Bulbs
Not all LEDs are created equal. Cheaper bulbs often have subpar internal drivers that can’t handle the minor “noise” or fluctuations in a standard home electrical system.
The Fix: Look for bulbs with the ENERGY STAR logo or stick to trusted brands. Investing a few extra dollars in a quality bulb can save you years of headaches.
5. Issues with the Neutral Wire
If you notice flickering across multiple rooms or in different parts of the house, you might have a loose or corroded neutral wire in your main panel or at the service entrance. This is a safety hazard and can lead to power surges that fry your electronics.
When to Call and Expert
While a loose bulb is an easy DIY fix, flickering can sometimes be a warning sign of a more serious electrical issue. You should call Joyner Electric and Security immediately if:
- Flickering is accompanied by a burning smell or crackling sounds.
- The lights flicker across multiple circuits in your home.
- Your switch plates feel warm to the touch.
Who to Call
Joyner Electric & Security has been doing business in Savannah and the surrounding areas since 1972. We are licensed and insured and guarantee all of our work. Give us a call today.
We're Here to Help
Whether it’s a simple dimmer swap or a full home safety inspection, the team at Joyner Electric and Security is ready to help. Since 1972, we’ve been the trusted name for electrical service in Savannah.
Call Joyner Electric and Security at (912) 202-4525.
Don’t Be In The Dark – Call The Experts!
Why Choose Joyner Electric and Security
Our purpose is to empower customers to keep them out of the dark by delivering expert electrical service. We are professional, work efficiently, are committed to our work, we do the right thing, and think positively.
- We guarantee our work.
- We are the experts.
- We communicate with our customers.
Ready to move forward?
Service Area
Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Port Wentworth, Garden City, Hinesville, Wilmington Island, Bloomingdale, Guyton, Thunderbolt, Tybee Island, and surrounding areas.