About half the homes we inspect have no paranormal activity at all. They have drafts, old wiring and a furnace with opinions. Before you book anyone, including us, check these seven things.
1. Test for carbon monoxide.
CO can cause headaches, confusion, a feeling of dread and even seeing things. If you have no CO detector, install one today. If it alarms, leave the house and call 911.
2. Find the draft.
Check for air leaks near windows, outlets and baseboards in the cold room using a strip of tissue or a draft detector. Movement means air, not a presence.
3. Check your wiring.
Old or exposed wiring can produce strong electromagnetic fields. We note unexplained readings, but rule out wiring first. Flickering lights or exposed wiring should be checked by a qualified electrician.
4. Listen to the plumbing.
Knocking pipes, called water hammer, can sound exactly like someone at the door.
5. Look for pests.
Squirrels, mice and bats make a lot of noise at night. Check the attic for droppings.
6. Consider the house settling.
Older homes creak as temperatures change, especially on cold prairie nights.
7. Check for low-frequency noise.
Highway traffic, wind turbines and some appliances produce infrasound, which people can’t hear but may experience as unease.
If you’ve ruled out all seven and something still feels wrong, that’s when an assessment makes sense.
Brendan King
Founder & Lead Inspector. Certified Home Inspector since 2009. Honest answers, every room, every time.
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