If it’s a single fixture, start by replacing the light bulb, then check the wall switch, your circuit breaker, and any tripped GFCI outlet that might be affecting that circuit.

Flickering lights are often caused by something as simple as a loose light bulb or a faulty light switch. A loose electrical connection, a large appliance switching on, or an overloaded circuit can also cause flickering, as can utility power fluctuations outside your home. If flickering happens throughout the house or gets worse over time, it’s worth having a licensed electrician take a look.

If it’s a single fixture, start by replacing the light bulb, then check the wall switch, your circuit breaker, and any tripped GFCI outlets. It also helps to determine how much of the house is affected, which can point to whether the issue is isolated or more widespread. If you notice a burning smell, buzzing sounds, sparks, or warm outlets or switches, treat that as a warning sign and call a licensed electrician.

Start by turning off and unplugging any appliances or devices on the affected circuit, which helps prevent the breaker from tripping again right away. Open your electrical panel and locate the tripped breaker, which is often positioned halfway between on and off or shows an orange or red indicator depending on the brand. Push the breaker firmly to the off position first, since many breakers won’t reset unless fully switched off, then move it back to on until you feel or hear it click into place. Finally, test the circuit by turning lights or appliances back on one at a time to confirm everything is working normally.