Ghosts or Just Outdated Design? Haunted House Myths Debunked by Architects

(Hint: Those eerie noises usually have a practical explanation.)

Every October, talk turns to haunted houses—the flickering lights, eerie drafts, mysterious creaks, and ghostly noises that make your hair stand on end. But before you call the paranormal investigators, you might want to call your architect.

At hpd architecture + interiors, we know most “hauntings” have logical explanations rooted in design, construction, or maintenance. Here’s the building science behind some classic spooky symptoms—and how smart renovation can make them disappear for good.

The myth: Ghosts announcing their presence.
The truth: Electrical issues. If your lights flicker when an appliance kicks on, you may have overloaded circuits, loose connections, or outdated wiring. A properly designed electrical plan accounts for load balance and prevents those “haunted” dimming moments.

When we renovate older homes, we often discover electrical systems never designed for modern life. Chargers in every room, energy-hungry appliances, and electric vehicles can overwhelm undersized panels. During renovation, we redesign electrical layouts to safely handle today’s loads, eliminate flicker, and brighten every space—no spirits required.

The myth: A spirit just swept through the room.
The truth: Air pressure and vent placement. Uneven airflow can cause curtains to sway and doors to slam seemingly on their own. Poorly sealed windows, gaps in ductwork, or misaligned vents can create strange currents.

Older homes often have leaks that let air move unpredictably, while some newer homes are sealed so tightly they develop ventilation problems. A renovation gives us a chance to study how air moves through your home and make it work for you. Strategic vent placement, balanced HVAC design, additional insulation, and improved weatherstripping restore comfort and stop those mysterious breezes for good.

The myth: A ghostly presence making an entrance.
The truth: Loose hinges and poor alignment. Doors that creak or refuse to stay put are often hung slightly off-level. Even a fraction of an inch can cause rubbing, noise, or unexpected movement.

As a home settles, framing can shift and so do your doors. During remodeling, we correct the structure, replace warped jambs, and specify durable hinges and materials that perform season after season. Once everything is properly aligned, the only sound you will hear is peace and quiet.

The myth: Someone or something is walking upstairs.
The truth: Structural movement. Older homes with widely spaced joists or thin subflooring tend to flex underfoot. Seasonal humidity makes wood expand and contract, amplifying the sound.

Part of what we do is restore a sense of solidity. When we open up the floor structure during renovation, we reinforce joists, install modern subfloor systems, and use materials that reduce flex. The result? Floors that feel grounded—and stop “talking back.”

The myth: The house is talking to you.
The truth: Sound travel through ductwork. HVAC ducts can transmit voices and noises from one part of the house to another, especially if they lack insulation or use long, unbroken runs.

We collaborate with mechanical engineers to redesign systems that are both efficient and quiet. That may mean rerouting ducts, insulating runs, or relocating returns. You will still hear conversations, just not from rooms you are not in.

A home that feels solid, comfortable, and quiet is not just more enjoyable—it is less likely to give you goosebumps for the wrong reasons.

At hpd architecture + interiors, we love solving the mysteries that make your home feel unsettled. Every home should feel like your haven, not a haunted mansion.

So this Halloween, if your house feels haunted, do not call a medium, call your architects at hpd.