A solution for your flickering lights

ARTICLE Luke Nutting

If you are experiencing flickering lights, it is very likely you have incandescent down lights installed.

This is a common problem in New Zealand as many homes were built with incandescent down lights. Unfortunately, mass produced new homes are still installing them due to the low installation costs.

Another question I’m frequently asked is, “why do my bulbs blow so quickly?”

There is a simple answer to both of these questions. Over time, as new bulbs are screwed into the light fitting, the two contacts at the back become crushed and the connection between them and the light bulb becomes loose to the point where they are no longer making solid contact. This makes the bulbs flicker and, in turn, stresses the filament and blows the bulb.

There are a couple of solutions to this problem:

1. The first option is to remove the lights completely and replace them with an LED fitting. This will not only provide more adequate lighting for the area but will save you money on power bills. Just one incandescent light fitting can be using over six times the power of one LED fitting. Another benefit of changing to LED lights is they can be fitted with conversion plates so they fit directly into the existing holes in the ceiling.
2. LED conversions do require a small investment, so if you do want to retain your existing incandescent lights then there is a little trick to get a few more years use from them and to stop the constant flickering. It does require some expert guidance so drop me a line via our website and I can send you some information on this.

For more expert home advice, visit our “Advice” page.

This column by Luke Nutting featured on page 38 in Issue 012 of Renovate Magazine. Renovate Magazine is an easy to use resource providing fresh inspiration and motivation at every turn of the page.

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*All information is believed to be true at time of publishing and is subject to change.