Whether you’re a new homeowner or have lived in your home for a while, things can show up that worry us. Appliances break, wiring fails, and pipes can leak. These are hidden home dangers homeowners should know about. Early detection is vital to eliminating extensive damage.
Lights That Flicker
Blinking and flickering lights could indicate that you have overloaded electrical circuits. Other signs include:
- Crackling or buzzing from the receptacles
- Blown fuses
- Discolored or warm wall plates
- Dimming lights
If you receive a mild shock when touching an appliance or notice a burning smell coming from a wall outlet, these are causes for alarm. Hire a professional electrician to repair the overloaded circuits immediately.
Carbon Monoxide
Your home should have a carbon monoxide detector to detect the gas you can’t see or smell. It can leak from appliances, water heaters, stoves, or cars. Low levels of carbon monoxide are enough to make a person ill.
When you check your smoke detectors twice a year, ensure your carbon monoxide detector is operating correctly. Every home must have one to remain safe year-round.
Hidden Leaks
Most leaks happen behind the wall because that’s where the pipes reside. These leaks usually go unnoticed until there’s visible damage. Structural problems arise from water damage, not to mention mold and mildew.
Look for loose tiles, blistering paint, warped walls, cracked or bucking floors, and mildew or mold. Once you notice any signs of a leak, make the proper repairs. Allowing the leak to continue will lead to significant damage.
Improper Insulation
Insulation is your home’s protection against the outside elements. It’s what stops your heating and cooling system from operating constantly. Allowing your home to remain under-insulated can lead to significant problems.
High energy bills and fluctuating temperatures are two common signs of a lack of insulation in your home. There are long-term effects of allowing an unattended draft in your home to continue, so hire a professional to come out and assess your home’s insulation and better it.
Now that you understand the hidden home dangers, keep an eye out for them. It can help you catch an issue before it causes significant damage.
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