I have lived in this apartment for 2 years now and I keep replacing electronics due to malfunction. I notice that every time My fridge kicks in it dims the lights. Same with the air conditioner in the summer. I have replaced two new computers, a pioneer and denon receiver both brand new as well as 2 powered subwoofers. I always use power bars with the switch on them and turn my equipment off when I'm done. I am now looking at buying a power conditioner. The building I live in was built in the 60's. Any ideas from an expert would be gratly appreciated! Thanks.

You live in an apartment? Do you own the apartment or is it rented?

If the apartment is rented, then it is your landlord who must hire an electrician. A superintendent or handyman is not acceptable for this situation.

It may be nothing more than you are exceeding the load for your apartment and either the service has to be increased or the load has to be reduced.

The fact that your refrigerator dims the lights when the motor kicks on speaks more to an overload situation than anything else.

It is also possible that you have a bad or loose Neutral somewhere in the system or that you have lost a leg of the incoming service.

Only a licensed electrician should look at this.