If you spend any time around your house, you will probably discover several projects that you’ll want to tackle. On your list of projects to complete might be replacing a broken handrail or fixing a squeaking floorboard. When it comes to keeping your home in working order, however, it’s not only the obvious issues that might need to be addressed. More often, the subtle problems usually lead to the biggest repairs. This is why it’s important to investigate new cracks, strange noises, funny smells, or water spots as warning signs of problems. From the evidence of mold to indications of a plumbing issue, you shouldn’t ignore signs that there’s something wrong with your house.
Your house is more than just where you live. Your home is a place where your family makes memories and where your life story takes place. Your home is also a significant investment that you’ll want to be sure to maintain. While your house can’t talk, however, it can tell you when something is wrong. There are numerous signs of trouble that some people might miss if they aren’t paying attention. Let’s take a look at how to spot home warning signs.
HVAC Problems
Your HVAC system is among one of the most expensive systems in your home. Depending on where you live, your furnace and air conditioner could be essential to your family’s comfort. If your system fails during an extremely hot or cold day, it could turn into an emergency. This is why it’s important to take note of the warning signs of an aging furnace. From noises to temperature troubles, there are a few things that you should look out for. While a slight hum from your unit is normal, if you notice thunderous noises or rattling, it could signal trouble.
Additionally, you might find that it’s harder to maintain a consistently comfortable temperature in your home. This could mean that your furnace is having difficulties keeping up with demands. You might also notice that your energy bills are higher than usual as a result of inefficiency. An aging furnace encounters increasing problems with efficiency. Expert technicians and manufacturers agree that HVAC systems last 10-15 years on average. As units age, you’ll want to pay attention to warning signs that you require a furnace repair or replacement.
Electrical Problems
Some homeowners with electrical issues report an odd, fishy smell, while others see it as a urine smell. Either way, a smell of this kind could mean an electrical issue in the home. This fishy smell could be the overheating and melting of the insulating plastic or rubber around electrical wires. Since the National Fire Protection Association says that electrical fires account for 13% of all residential fires, you’ll want to pay attention to any strange smells. Additionally, if an outlet smells like it’s burning, you’ll want to take immediate action. Protect yourself and your home from an electrical fire by addressing potential problems right away.
Hot Water Problems
Aside from HVAC systems and your home’s electrical network, another essential for many homeowners is the water heater. This is another appliance that is needed for many things around the house. If you don’t have enough hot water or you have problems with varying water temperatures, it could be a signal that your water heater is failing. Additionally, if you notice any corrosion or leaking around the bottom of the tank, you will need to consult a plumber for a repair or replacement recommendation. However, not all water heater problems are catastrophic and might require something as simple a removing sediment buildup from the tank.
Paying attention to warning signs around your home could help prevent major damage and repairs. With all of the systems working together to make your home comfortable and livable, it isn’t a matter of if something will go wrong; it’s a matter of when. However, the key to good home maintenance is paying attention so that you can prevent much larger issues.
