Cobwebs in the corners. Creaky stairs. Mysterious drafts sneaking under the doors. They’re all great fun when you’re visiting a haunted house for Halloween—but when it comes to your own home? Not so much.
The good news is that if your house is giving off haunted house vibes, it isn’t signs of the supernatural at work. They’re just everyday maintenance issues you can tackle yourself. From rattling windows to chilling drafts, here’s how to calm the creepies and make your home cozier.
1. Creaky Floors and Squeaky Stairs
Why It Happens: Wood flooring expands, contracts, and rubs against nails or joists, creating squeaks over time. Older homes are especially prone to these spooky sounds.
Quick Fixes:
• Sprinkle talcum powder or powdered graphite between boards to reduce friction.
• Secure loose boards by driving screws upward through the subfloor from the basement or crawl space.
• On carpeted stairs, use breakaway screws that are specially designed to quiet squeaky steps.
• For a long-term solution, you can pull up loose boards and resecure them to the joists with screws and construction adhesive. It’s a bigger job but will permanently silence the squeaks.
2. Drafty Windows and Doors
Why It Happens: Gaps in caulking, worn weatherstripping, and unsealed thresholds allow cold air in and warm air out, leading to chilling drafts (not to mention scary high energy bills).
Quick Fixes:
• Replace weatherstripping around doors and windows.
• Add door sweeps to block drafty gaps under exterior doors.
• Install window kits on windows you won’t open until spring. Watch this video for an installation tutorial:
3. Noisy Plumbing and Pipes
Why It Happens: Sudden changes in water pressure can cause an unnerving banging noise that’s called “water hammer.” Pipes that aren’t firmly secured can also shake against walls, creating clanks, bangs, and moans that sound like something straight out of a horror movie.
Quick Fixes:
• Secure loose pipes with clamps or cover them with foam pipe insulation.
• Install water hammer arrestors, which prevent pipes from banging by absorbing sudden water pressure changes.
• Hire a plumber to adjust your water pressure.
4. Rattling Gutters
Why It Happens: Gutters that are clogged with leaves or have loose fasteners can rattle in the wind, overflow in storms, and drip-drip-drip like a spooky soundtrack.
Quick Fixes:
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts each fall (a Frost King Gutter Scoop makes this messy job a little easier) then install gutter guards so you don’t have to clean them as often.
• Tighten any loose screws or fasteners.
5. Drafty Attics and Crawl Spaces
Why It Happens: If insulation is missing, outside air leaks in, cold spots form, and heating bills go up. Attics and crawl spaces are usually the biggest culprits.
Quick Fixes:
• Insulate attic access points with a cover or weatherstripping.
• Seal gaps around pipes, vents, and wiring with spray foam or caulk.
• Install vapor barriers in crawl spaces to limit moisture.
6. Flickering Lights
Why It Happens: Loose bulbs, faulty wiring, or overloaded circuits can make lights flicker, giving your home a super spooky vibe.
Quick Fixes:
• Make sure the bulb is screwed in tightly or try swapping it out for a new one.
• Check the light fixture and switch for any loose connections.
• Double-check you’re using the right bulb wattage for the fixture.
When to Call a Pro:
If lights flicker across multiple rooms or dim when appliances like your fridge or AC kick on, call an electrician to see if your wiring or electric panel is due for an upgrade.
7. Slow or Clogged Drains
Why It Happens: Trapped hair, soap scum, and debris can cause sluggish drains and standing water — it might be gross, but it’s not a poltergeist burbling in your pipes.
Quick Fixes:
• Pour boiling water down the drain, then add baking soda and vinegar, and flush again with hot water to break up built-up grease and grime.
• Use a drain snake to remove clogs.
• Install drain strainers to catch debris and prevent clogs before they form.
8. Pests in the Walls or Attic
Why It Happens: Rodents and insects move in when temperatures drop—and their scratching and scurrying can be seriously spooky.
Quick Fixes:
• Seal up cracks and gaps around pipes, vents, and your foundation with steel wool or hardware cloth to block entry.
• Add a door sweep to keep outside critters out.
• Set traps or call in a pest-control specialist if unwelcome critters just won’t leave.
9. Musty Odors
Why It Happens: Poor ventilation or hidden moisture in basements, bathrooms, or crawl spaces can brew up a musty old house smell.
Quick Fixes:
• Run a dehumidifier to lower humidity in damp rooms.
• Use exhaust fans or crack open windows on dry days to let stale air out and fresh air in.
• Check for plumbing leaks or condensation under sinks and behind appliances.
• Add pipe wrap insulation tape to stop condensation on cold pipes.
10. Tree Limbs and Outdoor Hazards
Why It Happens: Overhanging branches can scrape against your roof or windows on windy nights and patio furniture and yard tools can bang or roll around outside, creating unsettling sounds.
Quick Fixes:
• Trim back tree limbs that hang over your roof or power lines.
• Secure or store patio furniture, grills, and tools somewhere safe so they don’t go bump in the night.
• Make sure outdoor lights are working to keep pathways and porches bright and welcoming.
