5 Signs Something is Wrong in Your Home

It would be nice if our homes functioned perfectly for all the time we owned them but it’s not very realistic, is it? That being the case, you need to be able to spot the signs that something is wrong, starting with the following biggies:

1. Flickering Lights

Before you call in a team of paranormal investigators or start communicating with the spirits via Morse code, let’s consider a more earthly explanation for those flickering lights. Flickering lights can be a sign of an overloaded circuit, loose wiring, or an outdated electrical system. If the flickering makes your home feel more like a club than a house, it might be time to call in an electrician because it is one of the main indicators that let you know when to replace your home’s wiring. Ignore it at your peril because faulty wires can cause fires!

2. Mysterious Puddles

Walking into a room and finding a puddle where no puddle should be is a clear sign that something’s up. Sure, it might just be that one of the kids has spilled a glass of water or your puppy has had an accident, but once you’ve ruled them out, some of the main culprits include a leaky pipe, a mischievous appliance, or a breach in your home’s exterior. These mysterious puddles can be the precursor to mold, water damage, or an unexpectedly high water bill that could have you spending way more money on a repair than is decent, so fix it asap.

3. Unexplained Drafts

If you often experience cold spots in your home, it’s probably not grandma coming back to check you’re keeping the clutter to a minimum; it’s far more likely to be a telltale sign of poor insulation, leaky windows, or doors that aren’t quite doing their job. Besides giving you unexpected goosebumps, these drafts can lead to energy inefficiency, making your HVAC system work overtime and your wallet a little lighter.

4. Odd Noises

Most homes have their own noises, and you get used to them as a homeowner, so if you notice a new note that you haven’t before, it’s time to sit up and take notice.  Banging pipes, whistling, or groaning floors can all indicate a range of issues, from plumbing problems to critters taking up residence in your walls. Ignoring these annoying noises can lead to more significant, more expensive problems down the line.

5. Pesky Pests

Finally, if you start noticing signs of pests—whether it’s the midnight scampering of tiny feet in your attic, mysterious bite marks on your furniture, or an ant parade in your kitchen—it’s a clear signal that your home has become too hospitable to these critters and that is not good because they can nibble wires, burrow into walls and cause illnesses in your family. It’s time for them to move out.

Maintaining a safe, happy and healthy home means always being aware of your surroundings and acting on anything that seems out of place sooner, rather than later. So, stay alert and keep your home the way you want it to be.