Woman discovers life-threatening truth behind 'ghost' in her 'haunted' home

When Emma Reid began hearing strange noises in her home, she believed it was her late father-in-law's ghost making his presence known - until something far more alarming was uncovered

Emma Reid, 57, was spooked by mysterious noises in her Cardiff home, suspecting it was the ghost of her late father-in-law. But after enduring months of creepy whispers and moans, Emma and her daughter discovered a shocking reality: a faulty boiler leaking carbon monoxide was the real culprit.

Emma's eerie experiences started following her father-in-law's death, as he had resided in their house. The 'supernatural' saga escalated when her 12-year-old daughter got locked out after her key broke in the lock.

Upon Emma's return, they were greeted by a potent gas odour – their cat had inadvertently switched on the stove. If her daughter had flicked a switch, they could have faced a devastating blast, leading Emma to initially think these odd happenings were her father-in-law's spirit sending warnings.

In the time after this close shave, the house became a hub for bizarre noises – whispering, groaning, and tapping – especially when Emma's daughter was alone. Even their pet cat wouldn't eat downstairs.

The family, convinced they were being protected by his spirit, tried to coexist with the creepy disturbances. Yet, what they assumed was supernatural turned out to be a deadly hazard, reports Wales Online.

Their old boiler was emitting carbon monoxide, causing the sounds they mistook for otherworldly presences. "We were lucky," Emma acknowledged. "What we thought was a ghost could have been a real threat to our safety."

Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas that can cause serious health issues if inhaled. It is produced by fires and devices that burn fuels like gas, wood, oil, or coal.

Carbon monoxide gas is colourless and does not smell, so you cannot tell if it is around you. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• headache
• dizziness
• feeling sick or being sick
• feeling weak
• confusion
• chest and muscle pain
• shortness of breath

Emma's harrowing tale is a stark warning about the perils of overlooking boiler upkeep, particularly with winter on the horizon. October signals the height of boiler breakdown season, with Checkatrade noting a 76% surge in requests for boiler services from September to October last year.

As Halloween nears and the likelihood of malfunctions climbs, Checkatrade advises homeowners to get their boilers serviced promptly to avoid the real-life terrors of carbon monoxide leaks. Emma Grant, Head of Trade Experience at Checkatrade, remarked: "Emma's experience reminds us that sometimes the scariest things in our homes aren't ghosts, but faulty boilers.

"Many homeowners underestimate the importance of regular maintenance, which can prevent dangerous situations like gas leaks and carbon monoxide exposure. As we enter the peak season for boiler breakdowns, Checkatrade urges all homeowners to schedule a professional boiler service with a trusted tradesperson to ensure their safety during the colder months."

Residents across Britain are now being encouraged to arrange a boiler service with a Gas Safe-registered professional before the genuine frights of a malfunctioning boiler emerge. The necessity is clear:

• Safety first: A professional boiler check can avert hazardous gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning, protecting your household and property.
• Efficiency: Regular servicing ensures that your boiler runs efficiently, reducing energy bills and enhancing performance during the winter months.
• Cost: Identifying minor issues early can prevent expensive repairs in the future and prolong the lifespan of your boiler.