Is Your Home Speaking to You? Learn to Understand Its Subtle Signals
November 06, 2024
Are you a good communicator? If not, don’t worry. It’s OK to struggle with communicating because there is always room for improvement. And why not start now? November 1 – 7 is known as World Communication Week—a time to reflect on the many ways we communicate with one another.
Over the years, technology has improved the ways we interact. We now have smartphones, email services, Teams meetings, Siri, Alexa, and many other high-tech ways of staying connected. This got us thinking: Do our homes try to communicate with us? Are they quietly whispering, 'Time for a heater tune-up or better schedule water heater repair'? It’s possible! Read on to learn more.
Is Your Home Speaking to You?
While we know our homes can’t talk, that doesn’t mean they aren’t trying to tell us things. Our HVAC pros are breaking down typical ways our homes and comfort systems might try to communicate.
The following signs say, 'Look out—these could lead to issues down the road.'
Foundation Trouble
Have you noticed your foundation isn’t as strong as it used to be? This could signify trouble. Look for these signs:
- Cracks in walls. It is usual for houses to settle or shift as the years go on. Changes in soil and moisture can both contribute to this. Usually, hairline cracks are normal and not considered serious. However, if you notice large horizontal cracks, this could signal foundation issues. (Leaky pipes are a possible root cause.) It’s best to call a professional for an assessment to rule out any structural damage.
- Uneven or sagging floors. Sagging floors could result from damage to support beams or floor joists. We recommend a professional inspection.
Drafts Throughout the House
Do you notice a draft while sitting on the couch watching television? Have you experienced hot and cold spots throughout different areas of your home?
Consider the following possibilities:
- Blocked vents. Check your registers and vents. Ensure they are clean and that no furniture blocks airflow. Dirty air filters can also restrict airflow. If in doubt, please call us for HVAC service.
- Damaged ductwork. Leaky, incorrectly sized, or poorly designed ducts can also restrict airflow and lead to hot and cold spots.
- Poor insulation. It may also help to get your insulation inspected. Different insulation levels inside your home could cause airflow issues.
- Unsealed windows and doors. Check to see if air is seeping in through your windows or doorframes. Lock windows. If you still feel air coming in, consider caulking the windows or adding weather stripping.
Cold Showers
You’ve probably already figured this one out. But if your shower is giving you the cold shoulder, you may want to schedule a water heater repair. You may have an outdated water heater, a faulty component, or sediment buildup. A regular water heater flush to remove sediment buildup is always recommended. Call us for help!
Running Toilets
If you’ve noticed that your toilet has been running, it could be time to replace the flapper. Over time, flappers wear out, causing water to drain continuously from the tank (the running sound). Toilet flapper replacements are easy to find at most hardware stores. Need help swapping one out? We are here for you!
Peeling Wallpaper or Paint
Peeling paint or wallpaper often indicates excess moisture in your walls. Have you noticed paint peeling or wallpaper falling? If so, call us. Our team of pros can recommend ways to control the moisture and prevent further damage.
Communicate with Us & We Can Help!
A.J. Perri is always here to improve your home comfort—during World Communication Week and all year! From furnace replacement to gas water heater maintenance and more, you can trust A.J. Perri to keep you safe and comfortable. Call our team today to help protect your HVAC investment throughout every season.