Tip of the day - upgrade your switches

Tip of the Day: Upgrade to LED-Compatible Switches 

Why Are Your LED Lights Flickering?

If you’ve noticed your LED lights flickering or buzzing, don’t panic—it’s a common issue, and the solution is simpler than you might think. The problem often isn’t with the bulb itself but with the old wall switches in your home.

The Problem: Incompatibility with Older Switches

Traditional switches and dimmers were designed for incandescent or halogen bulbs, which use a lot more power than today’s energy-efficient LEDs. When paired with LED bulbs, these older switches can’t regulate the lower wattage properly, which causes flickering or buzzing.

This is especially true if you’re using a dimmer switch that’s not LED-compatible. Unlike incandescent bulbs, LEDs use electronic drivers, and they need a switch that can handle their unique electrical needs.

The Solution: Upgrade to LED-Compatible Switches

The fix is straightforward: replace your old wall switches or dimmers with LED-compatible versions. These newer switches are specifically designed to handle the low wattage and electronic drivers of LED bulbs.

Here’s what to look for:

• ★ LED-Compatible Dimmers: These allow you to enjoy the dimming feature without flickering. Look for switches labeled “LED dimmer” or “universal dimmer.”

• ★ Standard Switches for LEDs: Even if you’re not using dimmable bulbs, a switch upgrade can prevent flickering.

When It’s Not the Switch

If you already have LED-compatible switches and your LED bulb starts flickering, there’s a good chance that the bulb’s life is almost over. From my personal experience, LED bulbs are built to last. I installed LED bulbs throughout my house as soon as they became affordable, and they lasted over six years before needing to be replaced. In fact, I just recently changed out the last one! So, if your LEDs start to flicker and your switches are fine, it’s time to invest in a fresh bulb.

Why This Matters

Flickering lights aren’t just annoying—they can also put unnecessary stress on your bulbs, shortening their lifespan. By upgrading to the right switches and replacing aging bulbs, you’ll protect your investment in energy-efficient lighting and enjoy a consistent, pleasant glow in your home.

Taking the time to address this issue now will save you headaches later. So if those lights are flickering, don’t just swap the bulb—check your switches and consider how long the bulb has been in use, too!

Has this or is this happening to you? How long did it take you to figure out it was the switch? What is something you would like to know, I can include it in my next tip. Please leave a comment.