Why Do Lights Dim When the AC Starts? Causes & Solutions
Have you ever noticed your lights dimming for a moment when your air conditioner turns on? While a slight dimming can be normal, frequent or significant dimming could indicate an underlying electrical issue. Here’s what might be causing it and how Super Bright Services can help you fix it.
Common Causes of Lights Dimming When the AC Starts
- Service Overload
- If your electrical system is near its capacity, the sudden power demand from the AC can cause voltage drops, leading to dimming lights.
- Older homes with outdated electrical panels may struggle to handle modern power demands.
- Bad Connections on the Main Lugs
- Loose or corroded connections at the main lugs in the panel can result in inconsistent power flow, causing flickering or dimming when a high-power appliance starts.
- Main Breaker Issues
- A faulty or aging main breaker may not be regulating power distribution correctly, leading to voltage drops.
- Power Supply Issues (Most Common Cause)
- If your power company is supplying inconsistent voltage, you may experience dimming lights during peak demand periods.
- This is especially common in areas with outdated infrastructure or during extreme weather conditions.
How Super Bright Services Can Fix the Issue
✔ Electrical Panel Upgrades – If your panel is outdated or overloaded, Super Bright Services can upgrade it to a higher-capacity system to handle modern power demands.
✔ Fixing Loose Connections – Our licensed electricians will inspect and secure any bad connections in your panels to ensure a steady power supply.
✔ Main Breaker Repair & Replacement – If your main breaker is faulty, we can repair or replace it to improve power stability.
✔ Power Quality Assessment – We can help determine if your power supply issues stem from the utility provider and provide solutions to minimize their impact on your home.
Final Thoughts
While minor dimming when the AC starts is normal, frequent or severe dimming could mean an underlying electrical issue. Addressing it now can prevent bigger problems down the road and keep your home’s power running safely and efficiently.
🚀 Need help? Contact Super Bright Services today and let our experts take care of your electrical needs!
