Both new and old homes often have issues that go undetected. Visually, some are not easy to find, and others slip through the cracks simply because of a lack of knowledge on the part of the homeowner. Think you don’t have sneaky problems in your home? Take a look at our list of common items that may need attention and repair to find out.

 

How’s Your Foundation?

The condition of your foundation is an important one to investigate. If left for too long, problems here can cause severe issues with the integrity of your home and are costly to fix. After all, your entire house rests on your foundation.

Foundation problems often start with the soil under your home. Some symptoms that you might notice are cracks in walls or the foundation itself, doors that stick and don’t shut properly, or uneven floors. If you suspect foundation problems, it’s best to have a structural engineer come out and take a look.

Clogged Furnace Filters

Dirty, clogged furnace filters are the main culprit behind HVAC problems. The simple task of changing them is often overlooked, leading to increased work for the system and eventually, overheating. After a while, the overheating and stress causes inefficiency and you finally wind up with a broken furnace.

This sneaky household problem is an easy one to spot and correct. Check your filter once a month by holding it up to the light. If you can’t see through it, it’s time to change it. If you have trouble remembering to check your filter, the Filtrete 365 Program will send you custom reminders. They even have a smart filter with the corresponding app to track your filter usage.

 

Ductwork Leaks

Leaky air ducts are another household issue which is hard to spot without explicitly looking for the symptoms. Temperature differences within your home, strange noises while your furnace is running, and higher-than-usual energy bills are symptoms that point to ductwork problems. Upon examination, leaky ducts will often have cracks, gaps, or holes in them. The flexible type is prone to crimping as well.

 

Mold Growth

Not only can mold be a health hazard, but it can also cause damage to your home. Mold eats at surfaces, weakening and causing rot. Take a good look wherever water is present in your home (while paying attention to musty odors) to make sure that you are mold-free. If you find an infestation, move quickly to get rid of it.

Since mold needs water to grow, reduce the moisture level in your home to help stave off mold growth in the future. Keep in mind that it can also hide in your appliances — try using bleach and vinegar regularly to keep them clean.

Now that you’re aware of these potential problems, they won’t have the chance to sneak up on you. They say that knowledge is power. In the case of homeownership, awareness of preventative measures such as these helps protect your investment and keep your home in top shape.