It's probably the refrigerator. The compressor is getting old or is ready to fail and requires more and more electrical current to start.

You can rule out the circuit by plugging it into a different circuit.

Do you mean plug it into a different outlet to see if the lights stop flickering?

I can't just plug it into any outlet can I?

Doesn't it require a special outlet?

Thanks for any advice?

You can plug it into another receptacle, just make sure the receptacle in on a different circuit. If it isn't convenient to move the refrigerator use a heavy duty extension cord.

Are there any other large (motor) loads in the house?

Mike--How do I know if the receptacle is on a different circuit?

Ionized--what do you mean by large motor loads? The house has a stackable w/d, a/c unit (rarely used), old electric range, small microwave, coffee pot, lots of ceiling fans, one old television (rarely used), 1600 sq ft

Thanks fellas!

How do I know if the receptacle is on a different circuit? You have to know the electrical layout of your house.

Or, figure out which breaker shuts off the outlet that the refrigerator is on *now*, then plug it into a *different* outlet that *still works* while the breaker in question is *off*.

Sorry, if there is a comparable load, it should also dim the lights if the refrig is operating correctly. If the frig compressor motor is going belly-up its current draw will increase as mike_kaiser suggested.

Thanks guys, you are great. But, this stuff is way over my head. And hubby is not handy.

I think I will just call an electrician. It will be worth a couple of hundred bucks to have peace of mind.

Again, thank you.