Welsh mum and daughter almost 'died' by ghost in their 'haunted' home

When 57-year-old Emma Reid began hearing strange noises in her Cardiff home, she believed it was her late father-in-law's ghost making his presence known. After months of eerie whispers and moans, Emma and her daughter uncovered a far more alarming truth: a dangerously faulty boiler was to blame.

Emma’s unsettling experience began after her father-in-law's passing, as he had lived in the family home. One day, her 12-year-old daughter found herself locked out when her key snapped in the door.

When Emma returned and let her in, they were met with a strong gas smell because their cat had accidentally turned on the hob. Had her daughter switched on a light, it could have triggered a serious explosion, leading Emma to initially believe that the strange occurrences were her father-in-law’s spirit trying to warn them.

In the weeks following this near miss, strange sounds - whispering, moaning, and knocking - began to fill the house when Emma’s daughter was home alone. The noises were so spooky and unsettling that even the cat refused to eat downstairs.

Convinced that the ghostly sounds were his spirit watching over them, the family learned to live with the unsettling events. However, what they believed to be paranormal activity turned out to be significantly more concerning.

Their ageing boiler was leaking carbon monoxide, creating the sounds they had mistaken for ghostly activity. "We were lucky," said Emma Reid.

"What we thought was a ghost could have been a real threat to our safety." Emma’s story serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of neglecting boiler maintenance, especially as the colder months approach.

October marks the peak of boiler breakdown season. Checkatrade reports a 76% rise in demand for boiler services from September to October last year.

As Halloween looms and the risk of breakdowns increases, Checkatrade urges homeowners to service their boilers now. This can help prevent potentially deadly 'hauntings' from carbon monoxide leaks.

Emma Grant, Head of Trade Experience at Checkatrade, commented: “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.” Brits are now being asked to book a boiler service with a Gas Safe-registered tradesperson before the true horrors of a faulty boiler strike.

Why it’s essential:

• Safety: A professional boiler service can prevent dangerous gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning, safeguarding your family and home.
• Efficiency: Regular servicing ensures that your boiler runs efficiently, lowering energy bills and improving performance during the winter months.
• Cost: Catching minor issues early can prevent costly repairs down the line and extend the lifespan of your boiler.