11 Common Home Problems Solved

Homes suffer from the same common problems that leave us truly baffled. From hot to cold, wet to dry, and drafty to stuffy all of these common home problems can be solved with little effort. Don't let the home own you. You own the home!

High heating bills can be a combination of things from increased rates, windows, heating and cooling equipment, ducts, or insulation. It's not always easy to locate the specific problem, but an energy-efficient home is a comfortable home. The Energy Star home test, hiring a professional contractor who specializes in home evaluations, turning down your water heater temperature to 120 degrees F, replacing all of your light bulbs with Energy Star's CFL light bulbs, buying appliances with the Energy star logo, installing a programmable thermostat, and contacting your local utility company to see if they offer any programs can help you save money.

Mold, mildew, and musty odors are common home problems when there is a water leak or high humidity. It's important to catch these problems soon because mold can turn into rot, structural damage, premature paint failure, or health problems. A good way to avoid leaks and high humidity in the home is to hire a contractor or plumber, cover your crawl space with plastic, use fans for ventilation, keep windows open in good weather, clean the dryer vent and duct, clean air conditioning drip pans, and seal air and duct leaks.

A damp basement can be the cause of a leak or high humidity. To prevent a damp basement clean rain gutters and redirect downspouts to run away from the foundation, make sure the land around the basement slopes down, make sure your sump pump is working, check the ceiling for water stains, cover dirt floors with plastic, and a dehumidifier in the basement can reduce condensation on the walls during hot weather.

Another uncomfortable home problem is cold floors. Insufficient insulation or air infiltration can cause floors to become cold. Usually, the basement, garage, or crawlspace is effected by this problem. Air Sealing and insulation can help reduce drafts in the home. Hiring a heating and cooling contractor can help determine if your heating and cooling system is providing enough air to each room.

Windows, doors, electrical outlets, light fixtures, and gaps in corners can cause rooms to feel drafty. The biggest air leaks are often found in the attic. The best way to fix drafts in the home is to hire a professional contractor, close the damper to your fireplace, and check ducts for air leaks and balanced airflow.

Dust can come from air leaks in ducts, air infiltration through leaky doors, and windows. To reduce dust in your home change your furnace and air conditioner filters once a month, make sure the dyer vent is clean and directed outside, take your shoes off at the door, and seal duct air leaks. Dust can also come from a full vacuum bag or uncleanliness, so make sure to wipe items in your house down with a cloth, or socks and dish soap!

Excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and deterioration of your windows and sills. Single pane windows with aluminum frames are not recommended in preventing excessive moisture. Installing a shrink film, polyethylene sheet, or window insulation kit from the local hardware store can solve this common home problem.

Ice dams are common home problems when excessive snow occurs. The ice builds up in the overhang and then begins to melt when warmer temperatures are available. All of this melting produces damage to the roof and will result in water leaks to the inside. Never chip away at the ice as it may cause harm to your roof or you may slip and fall. A roof contractor can't prevent ice dams from forming, so avoid this option too. Sealing air leaks, adding insulation to your attic, providing adequate attic ventilation so the outside air and attic are at the same temperature, cleaning the overhang of leaves, and other debris before it snows will solve this common home problem.

Paint peeling is a problem that occurs from too much humidity inside the home. Proper ventilation is key to solving this issue. Fans, leaving windows open, or applying a primer to surfaces before painting can reduce your chances of paint peeling.

Inadequate insulation, air leakage, poor duct system design, duct leakage, unwanted heating by the sun in warmer months, or a failure in part of your heating and cooling system can cause rooms in your home to be uncomfortably hot or cold. This problem usually happens in the basement, attic, additions, or rooms over garages. Shades, solar screening, checking the heating and cooling system, sealing air leaks, and adding insulation can help maintain a stable temperature in your home.

Dry air can cause dry throats, dry skin and static shocks. Avoid dry air by keeping proper levels of humidity in your home. The heating and cooling system should be check by a professional to solve this problem.

Fixing these 11 common home problems can protect the environment, maintain your health, and save you money. Some other simple tips to help your home are hang clothes outside to dry, do house cleaning in the afternoon, try to eat raw foods or foods not cooked in the oven, unplug all appliances not being used, and open the windows as much as possible. Fresh air is good for you and your home!