Curious Homeowner Investigates Odd Smell in New House Vents

Published on 03/12/2024

Horror House

It would be the first home that James and his wife, Mandy, would ever purchase together. Both of them had accumulated sufficient funds to ensure that they could ultimately buy the house. Those individuals saw it as their ideal home. It was roomy and included a backyard garden for them to use for their future children. On the other hand, they would quickly make the realization that their ideal home was the stuff that nightmares are built of.

House Of Horrors

Horror House

A Reality Brought to Life

James Fisher and Mandy Fisher had been married for five years when they made the decision to purchase the home of their dreams. With their dog, Scout, they made the decision to make Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania their permanent home. Eventually, they were able to discover something that satisfied both of them, although it took a very long time. On the other hand, Mandy was unable to contain her excitement when they visited the house and saw it from the inside. Nevertheless, the couple’s happiness would soon be replaced with a sense of melancholy.

A Dream Come True

A Reality Brought to Life

Moving Day

As the day of their move approached, James and Mandy had already gathered all of their stuff from the apartment that they had rented. They were ecstatic to be leaving at that moment. In spite of the fact that they only had a few boxes, they made a commitment to fill their new house with everything that they desired and loved in order to make it a place that they could enjoy. As soon as they entered the building through the front entrance, they were confronted with an extraordinary sight.

Moving Day

Moving Day

So Much Space

When they saw how much space they had, they couldn’t believe it. It was a two-story building, and all of the bedrooms were located on the second floor. In addition to the kitchen and living room, the home office was located on the ground floor. It brought Mandy a great deal of joy to finally have a kitchen that was large enough to accommodate all of their favorite meals. Suddenly, she became aware of a peculiar occurrence.

So Much Space

So Much Space

Kitchen Floor

In the kitchen, there was a floor hatch that existed. When the real estate agent took them on a tour of the house, she had not noticed it previous to that point. Perhaps it was due to the fact that there was a table placed on top of it. On the other hand, she noticed that it was secured with a lock and bolts. After showing it to James, they devised a strategy to attempt to open it in order to see what was hidden beneath the kitchen floor.

Kitchen Floor

Kitchen Floor

Another Mystery

Mandy saw that there was something hidden behind an antique cupboard that had been left behind by the previous owner during their time there. There was no denying that it made Scout feel uneasy, as seen by his snarling. A real estate agent stated that the home belonged to an elderly woman who did not have any offspring to whom she could pass the place on. Despite the fact that the antique cupboard was not unattractive, Mandy came to the conclusion that it need a new coat of varnish. She discovered a peculiar discovery after she moved the cabinet slightly and then moved it again.

Another Mystery

Another Mystery

An Old House

The fact that this was an old house was no secret to Mandy. The item was well-maintained, although it still required some minor adjustments here and there. Sanding down and re-varnishing a few of the flooring was something that needed to be done. Despite the fact that Mandy cherished the ancient Victorian appearance of the property, she was aware that it required some updates. This was especially true when she discovered what was hidden behind the old cupboard.

An Old House

An Old House

A Mystery

Due to the fact that it was obviously empty, she moved it slightly with ease. She applied a little bit more pressure, and there it was: the result. Is a door. Hidden behind the cabinet was a door that could not be opened. Who was responsible for pushing the cupboard against this door? Previously, she had never witnessed anything like it. She was well aware that she needed to discover the truth about this enigma.

A Mystery

A Mystery

No Such Luck

During the subsequent few weeks, Mandy made several attempts to locate the key to the mystery door that was located in the kitchen. Even after searching through the drawers of the antique cabinet, she was unable to locate anything. Despite the fact that they had already moved in, they decided to put off some of the small modifications that they had planned because of the chilly weather. The nightmares would start for the first time at that point.

No Such Luck

No Such Luck

Finally, Some Rest

Following a long and laborious day of moving and rearranging their furniture, Mandy and James were finally able to kick back and relax. Even though it was snowing outside, Mandy couldn’t wait to get into bed and get some rest. James had activated the heating system in order to begin the process of warming up their room for the night. As soon as they were comfortable, Mandy pulled out her book and began reading a few chapters. The odor that had been drifting into their bedroom caused both of them to sit up at that moment.

Finally, Some Rest

Finally, Some Rest

A Rotten Smell

The scent was so offensive that they had no choice but to leave the room. It was a putrid odor. In order to spray the space, Mandy went to the kitchen and retrieved some air fresheners. They could no longer sleep in that room because there was no way they could. The odor continued to come. James was perplexed as to the identity of its origin. Eventually, they made the decision to move into one of the other bedrooms.

A Rotten Smell

A Rotten Smell

Relocation

They made themselves comfortable in the other bedroom, and James switched on the heating system once more in order to warm up the space around them. Without making any move to enter, Scout remained standing beside the entrance. The odor reappeared at precisely the moment when Mandy was climbing into bed and opening her book. More powerful than before. It was at that moment that they were aware that something could not have been more wrong. They had a significant problem with a foul odor on their hands.

Relocation

Relocation

To Find The Problem

James was aware that he had a significant challenge to face the following day. It appeared as though the odor was emanating from the heating system each time he turned it on. It might be found in both the primary bedroom and the guest bedroom at the same time. In order to determine whether it was only those rooms or whether it was the entire house, he needed to figure out. James readied himself for the events that were to come.

To Find The Problem

To Find The Problem

The Search Begins

It was necessary for James to thoroughly examine the heating system across the entire property. The other bedroom that they hadn’t been in was the one in which he turned it on. Additionally, he examined the living room as well as the home office. One might get the impression that the odor was a problem across the entire house. He had the impression that he wanted to dismantle everything in order to figure out what was causing it. Nevertheless, he was certain that it was something terrible.

The Search Begins

The Search Begins

Checking The Vents

The moment had come to inspect each and every vent. In order to determine what was contained within each of the rooms, it was necessary to remove all of the screws and examine the contents. It was in the primary bedroom that he began. After removing the screws, he shone his flashlight into the device. He did not observe anything that was unheard of. After that, he proceeded through all of the other rooms, but he quickly realized that the living room was missing one. His curiosity led him to question where the odor was coming from.

Checking The Vents

Checking The Vents

Professional Help

When James thought about it, he realized that it might be something that he couldn’t accomplish on his own. This task required the assistance of a trained professional. They came to the conclusion that it would be most beneficial to call for assistance. At precisely the moment that James was closing the final vent in the home office, he noticed something shining onto the inside. He extended his hand and took hold of it. Yes, that was a key.

Professional Help

Professional Help

Another Discovery

When James discovered the key in the vent, he showed it to Mandy. Silver and reminiscent of the past, it appeared. Mandy had finally come to the conclusion that the key belonged to the door at that moment. Within the kitchen, it was the door that was concealed by the antique cabinet. The time has finally come for them to open it and discover what was contained within. They were about to face a scary situation when they opened the door and unlocked it.

Another Discovery

Another Discovery

Something Unseen

The persistent barking of Scout in the living room was the last thing they heard before going down to the location that they had now determined to be the basement. Although James was in a hurry to tell him to be quiet, he continued to bark at something that was located in the corner of the room. Despite the fact that there was nothing there, Scout continued to growl and howl at something that was not visible.

Something Unseen

Something Unseen

The Basement

Due to the fact that they were unable to locate a light switch in the basement, they decided to bring a flashlight with them in order to illuminate their path. They could tell that Scout was terrified on account of his refusal to go down there. Encouraged by their natural curiosity, they left their dog inside the house that had plenty of light while they went down. In conclusion, they came to the conclusion that the odor might have originated from the basement. However, they would discover a great deal more than just that.

The Basement

The Basement

Delving Deeper

Using the flashlight, they made their way down the steps, creaking their way down until the only thing they could see was dust particles moving around in the light of the flashlight. Thereafter, James committed the error of venturing further into the basement’s depths than he had intended to. This caused him to fall onto his back after he stumbled over something. In addition to being focused further into the room, his flashlight was positioned on the filthy floor. What it was shining on was something he was not prepared for.

Delving Deeper

Delving Deeper

Eerie Feeling

A greater number of wine barrels, antique furniture, wooden chests, and framed portraits were among the items that they observed. Mandy assisted James in standing up, and the two of them then began to search the room. The chests were the first thing that Mandy worked on while James looked at the photographs. As a result of the fact that each of the chests was devoid of any contents, Mandy pondered the contents hidden within them. Down there, everything had an odd and scary vibe about it.

Eerie Feeling

Eerie Feeling

The Floor Hatch Mystery

During the time that they had not discovered anything of interest in the basement, Mandy recalled the other mystery that she had discovered in their kitchen. The hatch in the floor. The idea that the key might be concealed in the basement was something that they considered.

The Floor Hatch Mystery

The Floor Hatch Mystery

Like A Treasure Hunt

It was like going on a treasure hunt because, after all, the vents were the ones that held the key to the basement. James looked in every possible direction until he came upon something that was gleaming in the shadows.

Like A Treasure Hunt

Like A Treasure Hunt

Breaking The Lock

In the room, James noticed a reflection of metal in the mirror. After making his way over, he discovered something that he could use in place of a key. It was an old crowbar that appeared to have seen better days than it had lived through. The lock was broken, and the hefty hatch was removed after that.

Breaking The Lock

Breaking The Lock

Jars

There were peculiar jars that appeared to contain delicacies that had been stored within for a long time. Additionally, they discovered a box inside, and when they opened it, they were astonished by the contents that they discovered it contained.

Jars

Jars

House Mystery

They were taken aback by the hatch for its relatively small size. At first glance, it appeared to be merely for the purpose of storage. Old recipes were provided within the box. They were unable to comprehend Scout’s conduct, as he had resumed his growling behavior.

House Mystery

House Mystery

Something Ancient

It felt like something that perhaps could be found in older Victorian kitchens. There was presumably a time when it was used as a pantry. But it appeared that things had become more negative throughout the course of the previous one hundred years.

Something Ancient

Something Ancient

Blueprints

On the other hand, the storage nook included more than just recipes and cereals that had been once stored there. However, there was something else that, until James made the decision to take it up, did not appear to be all that extraordinary.

Blueprints

Blueprints

Original Designs

In addition, there was a rolled-up piece of parchment, and as James unrolled it, he was astounded to discover that he was gazing at the house’s original designs. 1887 was the year that it was dated. James was unable to put his faith in what they had just discovered.

Original Designs

Original Designs

Doubts

Putting everything back in the box, they hauled it out of the hatch and put it back in the box. Despite the fact that it was becoming late, they still had a great deal of work to accomplish. They made the decision to give it a look after dinner.

Doubts

Doubts

The Box

The box, on the other hand, should not have been left uncared for. A sense of uncertainty would soon be ingrained in the thoughts of the pair as they contemplated everything that they had discovered in a single day.

The Box

The Box

Discovering So Much

During the time that Mandy was preparing food, she felt an odd sensation about the place. They found a great deal of information that they had not seen before or that the realtor had not informed them about.

Discovering So Much

Discovering So Much

Unsure Of Her Decision

She was uncertain as to whether or not the purchase of the house had been the best choice for them. When they looked at the box after supper, her concerns would soon be taken to their logical conclusion in their entirety.

Unsure Of Her Decision

Unsure Of Her Decision

The Howling

A piercing wail could be heard coming from Scout just as she was ready to commence the process of setting the table for dinner. They had never before heard him act in such a manner. What was wrong with their dog? There had never been a time when he had been so noisy and did not behave himself.

The Howling

The Howling

Uneasy

Within a short period of time, Mandy began to get a nagging sense of unease. After she had finished what she was doing, she proceeded to look into the matter.

Uneasy

Uneasy

Again

On the other hand, it occurred once again just as she was about to leave the kitchen. It was the return of the putrid odor. This time, it was going to be coming from the kitchen. James was questioned by Mandy about whether or not he had activated the heating system; nevertheless, his response would leave her perplexed.

Again

Again

She Was Screaming

The moment James heard her screaming out to him, he was in the process of getting out of the shower and rushing down to the bathroom. On the other hand, she shook her head in response to her repeated asking.

She Was Screaming

She Was Screaming

The Smell Returns

During this particular instance, James had not activated the heating system, and the odor suddenly appeared out of nowhere. They made the decision to phone the real estate agent in order to ask a few inquiries.

The Smell Returns

The Smell Returns

Assuring Them

Despite the fact that they were really concerned about the unusual occurrences that were taking on in the house, they did not know if they would be able to reach her at this late hour. Upon her arrival, she gave them the assurance that the house had been cleaned and that the heating system was very recently installed.

Assuring Them

Assuring Them

Proof

The only thing that was required of them was to search the cupboard in the kitchen for the invoices. It was indeed the case that they were present. The evidence that validated all that she was claiming to convey. On the other hand, it did not resolve the mystery that they were dealing with at the time.

Proof

Proof

Their Theory

Their thoughts went back to old-school horror films, stories in which demonic activity were responsible for a terrible odor. This, however, was a true story. Is it not possible that there existed a rational explanation that did not involve divine intervention?

Their Theory

Their Theory

Minds Raced

In their own home, James and Mandy both experienced feelings of anxiety. After evacuating the kitchen, they moved their dinner to the dining room, which was the room with the least amount of foul odor. In spite of this, they were unable to take pleasure in their meal because of the odor.

Minds Raced

Minds Raced

Angered

James smashed his hand down on the table in a fit of rage, which was the moment when things hit their breaking point. He needed to figure out what was going on.

Angered

Angered

Unsettled

During their conversation, Mandy promised her husband that they will discuss the matter in the morning. After finishing their meal, they went to bed for the time being. But when their thoughts were focused on what was going on, neither of them were able to get a good night’s sleep in the unusual surroundings.

Unsettled

Unsettled

No Idea To Know

They had no idea how to unravel the riddle that they were facing. Both of them, as well as their dog, were feeling uneasy. James gave Mandy the assurance that the issue would be resolved in the future.

No Idea To Know

No Idea To Know

Midnight Hour

When Mandy awoke in the middle of the night, she discovered that James was not inside the bedroom. She was bracing herself for the worst and made her way down the steps carefully. She moved stealthily and silently until she discovered him engaging in the most unusual behavior they had ever seen.

Middle Of The Night

Midnight Hour

Spraying The House

As soon as he woke up in the morning, he made the decision to spray the house with air fresheners and complete the task. As a matter of fact, they believed that it was something that they were capable of managing.

Spraying The House

Spraying The House

The Next Day

The two of them rose to their feet as the morning broke. Neither of them, however, had the impression that they had sufficient rest. Both Mandy and James were suffering from a painful back and heavy baggage. Purchasing the house in this state was something that the couple deeply regretted.

The Next Day

The Next Day

Cheering Her Up

Nevertheless, when James observed the worrying expression on his wife’s face, he made the decision to try to cheer her up in the most effective way that he was aware of.

Cheering Her Up

Cheering Her Up

Getting To The Bottom Of Things

It was decided that they would unwind in the living room. James ignited the fireplace, which resulted in the entire room being warmer. Following that, they came out with the box that they discovered in the floor hatch. At this point, Mandy would be able to relax and enjoy herself as they attempted to get to the bottom of things.

Getting To The Bottom Of Things

Getting To The Bottom Of Things

A Chance To Look Around

They had not had the opportunity to look over the house designs over the previous evening, but now it was time for them to do so. On the other hand, what they would discover would make Mandy feel like throwing up.

A Chance To Look Around

A Chance To Look Around

Old Blueprints

First, they examined the old plans, and then they compared them to the one that the real estate agent had provided for them. Distinctions could be observed between the two. Following that, Scout began barking in an uncontrollable manner once more. When Scout had last done this, it had not been very long at all.

Old Blueprints

Old Blueprints

A Warning?

It had become something that he did on a regular basis. Was he trying to warn them about an impending threat? It was clear to the couple that they needed to find a solution to the problem before they went back to sleep.

A Warning

A Warning?

Barking Mad

There was a corner of the living room where Scout was barking at the same time. James made the decision to investigate the source of the noise he was making. They were running out of resources to deal with this situation. James had a feeling that he was going to lose his mind.

Barking Mad

Barking Mad

Checking On The Barking

However, he was obligated to examine the barking, even though it was possible that it was nothing. Scout had never led him in the wrong direction before, and he was aware that dogs possessed a sharp intuition that people did not.

Checking On The Barking

Checking On The Barking

Another Vent

The carpet was raised by him. Moreover, there it was. A further release. However, this was a rather peculiar occurrence due to the fact that rather than being on the new plan, this vent was on the old one. Both James and Mandy were beginning to feel anxious.

Another Vent

Another Vent

The Key

James was able to recall the key that he had discovered in the last vent. It’s possible that this one had the same secrets. He believed that it would be good to give it a shot in order to find out if the solution to all of their concerns was waiting for him there.

The Key

The Key

Attempting to Unlock It

James examined the vent in question. It was easy for him to understand why it was not included in the blueprints for the new house. It appeared as though it had been a part of the house from the beginning. In spite of the fact that it was rusted shut, he was unable to wrench it open.

V

Trying To Open It

She Was In Fear

During the time that Mandy was sitting on the couch in fear, he worked on it like a maniac and even attempted to use a blowtorch before giving up.

She Was In Fear

She Was In Fear

A Dark Obsession

At first glance, it appeared as though her spouse had developed a morbid fascination with the vent. He was unable to take the odor any longer, and as a consequence, he lost his temper. During the time that Mandy was sitting there, he used all of his tools in an attempt to conjure up enough bravery to stop him.

A Dark Obsession

A Dark Obsession

Comforting Her

By the time she was finally able to get off the couch, she placed her hand on James’ shoulder. It’s not a problem, honey. It would be best if we had someone else take care of things for us.

Getting To The Bottom Of Things

Comforting Her

One More Dark Night

James fell into his wife’s arms and went into a coma. Despite his reluctance, he eventually gave in and phoned the experts. However, they would not show up until the following morning.

One More Dark Night

One More Dark Night

It Terrified Them

The possibility of being in the house for yet another night without being able to determine what was going on was terrifying for both of them. The following morning, Mandy awoke once more. To her utter dismay, her husband had once more risen from his bed.

It Terrified Them (1)

It Terrified Them

She Knew Where He Is

She was completely aware of his location. He appeared to be completely insane as he stared into the vent. Mandy approached him in a gentle manner and enticed him to return to his bed. She was aware that things needed to come to an end now.

She Knew Where He Is

She Knew Where He Is

Help Is On The Way

Immediately after waking up the following morning, James contacted the professionals. Because he was unable to open the vent, it was necessary for them to check to see whether there was anything inside of it. The presence of a dead rodent or an infestation could be the cause there.

Help Is On The Way

Help Is On The Way

Arriving There

Within thirty minutes, they arrived, already armed with everything that was required to force up the vent. On the occasion that they were finally successful in opening it, they uncovered a horrifying discovery that caused their blood to run cold.

Arriving There

Arriving There

A Gruesome Discovery

They discovered a number of jars that contained rancid liquids, and what was most upsetting was the discovery of multiple animal carcasses and bones. James and Mandy showed signs of unease. Scout was yelling at this, and the jars were the source of the odor that was emanating from them. How did this come to pass?

A Gruesome Discovery

A Gruesome Discovery

What Was The House Used For

One of the things that Mandy was curious about was whether or not their home was used for rituals and sacrifices. If that was the case, she did not want to continue living there. The maintenance man then informed them that it was not as odd as they had initially believed it to be.

What Was The House Used For

What Was The House Used For

Old Pennsylvanian Traditions

He informed them that he and his team frequently discovered these in the old Victorian homes that they were searching for. It was a practice of ritual healing that was known as powwow in the state of Pennsylvania. According to him, they utilized animal carcasses in order to mix aspects of religion and belief with factors related to health and healing.

Old Pennsylvanian Traditions

Old Pennsylvanian Traditions

Living a Normal Life

It would appear that the elderly lady who resided in this location need medical attention; however, James and Mandy came to the conclusion that it would be most beneficial to remove the jars and corpses in order to eliminate the odor and ensure that they may continue to have normal lives. This would allow Scout to feel more at ease.

Couple Moving Into A New Apartment.

Couple Moving Into A New Apartment.