Attic Cleaning on the To-Do List

 

Top Signs of Needing A Duct Repair

 

Top Signs You Need A New Attic Insulation

 

Top Signs of Air Duct Leaks

 Industry Expert Attic Efficiency Shares Insider Tips For Spotting Air Duct Leaks

Walnut Creek, United States Attic Efficiency

The HVAC system is a complex system that includes the furnace, air conditioning units, compressors, ductwork system, thermostats, and more. The system distributes air from the ventilation, heating, and cooling equipment throughout the indoor spaces via ductwork. When the system is not working properly, many people quickly attribute the problem to faulty mechanical parts within the heating, cooling, or ventilation equipment. Very often, the problem is something far more simple, explains Walnut Creek’s premier air duct repair company, Attic Efficiency. 

Because of the complexity and interconnectivity of the system, leaky air ducts may seem a minor problem but have a significant impact on the entire system. When a leak occurs, conditioned air leaks through the gaps of the duct system before it can reach the intended space. Since ductwork is typically out of sight and hidden in the ceiling or attic spaces, spotting the problem can be very difficult unless you know the signs that provide clues. 

How to Identify Leaky Ducts

Like every other working system, air ducts are subject to damage and aging, leading to hidden cracks. Even though the ductwork may be out of sight, it is still possible to narrow down the problem. Here are the top indicators of a problem with cracked or leaky ductwork.

Increased Energy Bills

When there is a leak, the HVAC system has to work extra hard. When the full force of conditioned air does not reach the destination, the room never heats or cools properly or reaches the desired set temperature. As a result, the thermostat triggers the system to run longer or turn off and on erratically. When this happens, energy bills go up. 

Noticeable Hot or Cold Spots

HVAC systems are designed to cool or heat spaces as evenly as possible. If there are noticeable hot or cold spots, it is likely a sign of needing air duct repair. This occurs because some spaces in homes or businesses may receive more sunlight or are exposed to outside elements more often. If there was no air duct leak, the system could regulate the temperature in those areas. 

Excessive Dust

Air ducts are passageways and transport air and any dust it picks up along the way. If the activity in the structure has not changed, but there is a significant increase in the dust accumulating on the indoor surfaces, a duct leak is the most likely culprit. 

What to Do If You Suspect a Duct Leak

If the signs are pointing to a duct leak, there is good news. Compared to most HVAC problems, it is a fast, easy, inexpensive fix and something an air duct repair company can do. The best thing to do is make notes of the observed problems and the areas in which they occurred and call an air duct repair company as soon as possible for an inspection and repair. While it may seem like a small problem, delaying getting it fixed can mean several significant issues, including:

• Higher energy costs
• The decreased lifespan of the HVAC system
• Poor indoor air quality

Far too often, people ignore the signs of a problem and fail to take action. Unfortunately, this usually leads to more problems and higher repair costs for the entire system.

 

Air Duct Repair Company Walnut Creek 

Attic Efficiency is a licensed and insured insulation air duct repair company serving Walnut Creek, CA, and the surrounding cities. Locally owned and operated, the company has earned its reputation by offering exceptional services at competitive prices. For more information about Attic Efficiency or its services, call (209) 752-6089.

The Importance of Air Duct Cleaning

 Walnut Creek Experts Disclose Why Air Duct Cleaning is Important

Walnut Creek, United States Attic Efficiency

Air ducts are conduits, or enclosed pathways, that supply warm or cool air to a structure to ventilate, heat, or cool the rooms. The ductwork is usually out of sight and hidden within the ceilings, basements, and crawl spaces. Whenever the heating or cooling system kicks on, the air is circulated through it, often picking up pollutants that gather in the system and transporting them into the living space. But, because the system is out of sight, it is also largely out of mind, explains Walnut Creek’s premier air duct cleaning company, Attic Efficiency.  

Because the air cycling through the air ducts is the same air that occupants breathe, the cleanliness of the ductwork certainly matters. Air duct cleaning is a process that removes dust, mold, and contaminants within the ductwork system so that the pollutants are not picked up and distributed into the living or working spaces. 

When Is it Important to Get Air Ducts Cleaned?

Even though ductwork is a rarely discussed working component of a structure, it also needs regular cleaning and maintenance. Here are some top indicators that it is time to call an air duct cleaning company. 

• When there is visible mold growth within the system
• When the system has dust and debris that is pushed through the register 
• When the attic or ductwork is infested or infiltrated by vermin (rats, mice, or insects)

Top Advantages of Air Duct Cleaning 

Some may think that only certain types of homes or homes in particular areas need air duct cleaning. The truth is that every home in Walnut Creek needs regular ductwork cleaning. 

Reduced Allergens and Irritants

Ductwork often contains dust and micro-organisms such as pet dander, pollen, bacteria, mold spores, and even vermin droppings. It is essential to consider that many people, especially those with respiratory problems, are susceptible to these airborne particles. Air duct cleaning helps reduce airborne allergens by removing them from these pathways. 

Boost Energy Efficiency

When the air ducts are filled with debris, the dust is pushed along the system, making the HVAC system work even harder to do its job. When this happens, the units consume more energy which is passed along as increased energy bills. Having the air ducts cleaned by a  professional removes the dust, dirt, and contaminants so the system can work properly and last longer. 

It Helps Protect The System’s Lifespan

Regular duct cleaning removes the debris from the air pathways so that HVAC systems can work properly. By keeping the system clean, the HVAC system can run smoothly and efficiently, which allows the system to last longer, providing a better return on investment. 

Reduces Unpleasant Smells and Odors

Cleaning product fumes, mold, pets, cigarette smells, and more all get stuck in the air ducts. Often these smells attach to the dust and grime within the ductwork, and they get redistributed back into the living space when the HVAC system goes on. This accumulation leads to a dirty, musty, or foul scent from the ductwork each time it is turned on. This smell frequently infiltrates soft surfaces such as carpeting, curtains, and furniture.

The Importance of Calling an Air Duct Cleaning Company 

Air duct cleaning is not a DIY project. There are many reasons for this, including some contaminants, such as rodent droppings in the system, which can pose health hazards. An air duct cleaning company uses professional equipment, including high-powered vacuums and personal protective equipment, to accomplish the task. A qualified professional can also spot problems and provide necessary repairs. 

Air Duct Cleaning Walnut Creek 

Attic Efficiency is a licensed and insured insulation contractor serving Walnut Creek, CA, and surrounding communities. Locally owned and operated, the company has earned its reputation by offering exceptional services at competitive prices. For more information about Attic Efficiency or its services, call (209) 752-6089.

The Importance of Rodent-Proofing the Attic

 Attic Efficiency Discusses How to Keep Rodents Out of Attics

Walnut Creek, United States Attic Efficiency

Rodent-proofing the attic is important whether there are signs of pests in the space or it is a proactive measure to prevent them from entering, explains Walnut Creek’s premier attic and insulation services company, Attic Efficiency. Rats and mice carry harmful diseases and can cause massive damage to the structure’s insulation, walls, wiring, and more in a very short time. Because of this, contacting an attic cleaning company is important to help implement cleaning and rodent-proofing measures.

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Top Signs of Rodent Infestation

Having a rodent problem in Walnut Creek and surrounding areas is not uncommon. About ⅓ of all homes will experience the problem. The most important thing is to take action quickly. Verifying a rodent infestation in the attic is an important step toward fixing the problem. 

Take immediate action upon seeing any of these indicators:

• Rat or mouse droppings
• Foul smells
• Unusual noises such as scratching or scurrying
• Smudge marks along walls and baseboards
• Damage to wood, drywall, or wiring
• Shredding to paper or materials
• Visible nests in the insulation
• Cracks or holes in the roof, around vents, or chimneys.

 

The First Step in Rodent Proofing is Attic Clean-Up 

Rodents love attics because attic spaces have warm, fuzzy insulation and other materials they can use to make the perfect nest. Once these rodents take up occupancy, it won’t take long until the area becomes contaminated with rodent urine and droppings. Since rodent droppings, urine, and fleas can transmit many serious diseases, such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis, it is highly recommended to contact an attic cleaning company in your area. Professional cleaning services have the right equipment to contain and remove damaged materials safely. A home may also need attic clean-up after rodent extermination.

Why Rodent-Proofing The Attic Is Vital

Where there is one mouse or rat, there are likely at least two because mice are not naturally solitary. Where there are two, there will very soon be many more. It surprises most people that a single pair of mice can produce as many as half a billion descendants within three short years, each one posing many risks to the home and the health of the occupants. A few of these risks include:

• Fire risks from damaged electrical wiring
• Damaged insulation from nesting activity 
• Roof and other structural damage from chewing 
• Increased allergies from pest danger and droppings 
• Unhealthy air quality
• Flea and tick infestations 
• Foul odors
• Toxic fumes from rodent urine                                                                                          

 

What to Expect in Rodent Proofing

Most people will call exterminators or set up traps at the first sign of rodents. While that may address the rodents that are already in the space, it does nothing to address preventing others from entering. Rodents can enter the home through cracks the size of a quarter or even smaller. It is always best to assume that no opening is too small because even if it is, they can always make it bigger. Rodent proofing is a service that helps make it difficult for rodents to enter the attic space, which is one of the most common entry points.                                                                             

Professional rodent proofing is a process performed by an attic cleaning company that includes inspecting the attic for all the possible points of entry and then sealing them using a combination of caulking and metal barriers such as chicken wire and steel wool. 

 

Where to Turn for Professional Services in Walnut Creek

For anyone in Walnut Creek, CA, or the surrounding areas experiencing rodents in the attic, it is essential to call a professional attic cleaning company to handle the source of the problem. Attic Efficiency is the area’s trusted attic cleaning, insulation replacement, and rodent-proofing expert. The locally owned and operated company provides superior services for competitive prices.

For more information about Attic Efficiency or its services, call (209) 752-6089.