Boiler Sounds May Explain Spooky Feelings in Old Houses, Study Suggests

That chill down your spine when walking through an old house might not be a ghost at all—it could be the boiler in the basement humming at just the wrong frequency. A recent study highlighted by The Guardian suggests that infrasound from aging heating systems can trigger feelings of unease, dread, or even the sensation of being watched, especially in older homes where pipes and furnaces have settled into resonant vibrations. Even as this might sound like something out of a paranormal investigation, the science is grounded in acoustics and human physiology: low-frequency sound below 20 Hz, though often inaudible, can affect the vestibular system and create visceral emotional responses. For residents of cities with deep architectural histories, this research offers a tangible explanation for experiences long attributed to the supernatural.

Take Chicago, Illinois—a city where vintage housing stock is not just common but celebrated. From the brick two-flats of Logan Square to the limestone mansions of Hyde Park, many homes were built during the early 20th century boiler boom, when coal-fired and later gas-fired hydronic systems became standard. These systems, while durable, often remain in place long past their prime, their cast-iron radiators and steel pipes now decades into service. In neighborhoods like Albany Park or South Shore, where bungalows and greystones dominate the streetscape, it’s not uncommon for residents to report odd sensations—particularly in basements or upper floors where sound travels strangely through hollow joist cavities or unused chimney flues. What feels like a spectral presence might simply be the sympathetic vibration of a poorly balanced circulator pump or a water hammer echoing through undersized mains.

This phenomenon intersects with broader urban trends. As Chicago continues to grapple with energy efficiency goals under the city’s Climate Action Plan, older boiler systems are increasingly scrutinized—not just for their carbon footprint but for their operational quirks. The Chicago Department of Public Health has noted in past indoor air quality assessments that aging mechanical systems can contribute to environmental stressors, though infrasound specifically remains an emerging area of interest. Meanwhile, organizations like Elevate Energy, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on equitable energy efficiency, have documented how outdated heating systems in multifamily buildings often create uneven heat distribution, leading to compensatory behaviors like blocking vents or using space heaters—further altering airflow and potentially amplifying acoustic anomalies. Even the Chicago Architecture Center, in its tours of historic mechanical rooms, occasionally points out how the rhythm of old pumps can sound almost… intentional.

Given my background in environmental storytelling and urban infrastructure, if this trend resonates with you in Chicago—whether you’re a landlord managing a vintage six-flat or a homeowner hearing unexplained pulses in the walls—here are three types of local professionals worth consulting:

Historic Building Systems Specialists: Look for contractors with verifiable experience in pre-1950s hydronic and steam systems, preferably those affiliated with the Association for Preservation Technology or who have worked on projects reviewed by the Chicago Landmarks Commission. They should understand how to balance authenticity with modern diagnostics, including vibration analysis and thermal imaging to isolate abnormal sound sources.
Acoustic Engineers Focused on Residential Environments: Seek professionals who conduct indoor sound assessments using calibrated infrasound microphones and can map low-frequency transmission paths within a structure. Ideal candidates will have published work or case studies in residential settings and be familiar with ANSI/ASA S12. Standards for indoor sound quality.
Energy Auditors with Health-and-Comfort Specialization: Prioritize those certified by BPI (Building Performance Institute) who include occupant well-being in their assessments—not just energy use. The best will correlate boiler operation logs with occupant surveys and check for pressure fluctuations, short-cycling, or air entrainment that could drive low-frequency noise.

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