Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Should You Put Attic Cleaning on the To-Do List? Industry Experts say, Yes

 For most people, cleaning the attic is probably last on the to-do list. After all, it is the least accessed part of any home. But, the very fact that the space is seldom accessed, mainly used to store things, and is filled with insulation can lead to many problems, shares Walnut Creek attic cleaning company, Attic Efficiency.

Pests, such as mice, rats, raccoons, and bugs, are attracted to many of the items commonly stored in attics, as well as attic insulation. Their presence can contaminate these materials creating an unhealthful home environment. Other common problems include roof leaks allowing water to infiltrate the space and leading to the presence of mold. 

When these things happen, it is crucial to contact a professional attic cleaning company for cleanup and decontamination services.

What Does Attic Cleanup and Decontamination Involve?

For those who do not know what the services involve, it can be challenging to understand how it differs from just removing extra items from the attic space. While removing clutter may be part of the process, it involves other important services to return the attic to a healthy and functional space. 

Some of the cleanup and decontamination services may include: 

  • Removing clutter
  • Evaluating the condition of the insulation
  • Removing old, damaged, or contaminated insulation
  • Identifying, removing, and decontaminating rodent infestations 
  • Rodent-proofing the attic
  • Identifying leaks
  • Mold removal and decontamination
  • Dust and debris removal

Top Benefits of Attic Cleanup and Decontamination

Attic cleaning and inspection should be part of regular home maintenance. They provide some important advantages. These benefits include:

Reduces the Possibility of Animal Infestations

Calling an attic cleaning company for regular professional services reduces the possibility of animal infestations and the resulting damaging effects. Rats and mice breed prolifically, and their presence can cause many problems, such as the transmission of many diseases.

Some of these diseases include:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
  • Lassa Fever
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
  • Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
  • Plague
  • Rat-Bite Fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • South American Arenaviruses
  • Tularemia

Reduces Allergens and Toxins

Regular attic cleanup is vital for reducing the levels of allergens in the home. A 2009 study by the United States Office of the Surgeon General found that 82% of homes in the US have detectable levels of mouse allergens.

Increased Energy Efficiency

The insulation layer in the attic plays an important role in the home’s energy efficiency. Things like human activity, animal presence, and water damage can all impact the insulation's condition, affecting its effectiveness. This leads to a significant increase in utility bills and wear and tear on the HVAC system. Attic cleaning services ensure the insulation is in good condition and can fix deficiencies to improve energy efficiency. 

Why is it Important to Call a Professional Attic Cleaning Company? 

While it is possible to conduct many attic cleanup processes as a DIY project, it is not advisable. A professional attic cleaning company is equipped with specialized tools and safety gear to do the job quickly and safely. 

A few of the risks include:

  • Exposure to contaminated materials
  • Falling
  • Exposure to hidden hazards like exposed wires, or weak spots

Top Attic Cleaning Company in Walnut Creek

Attic problems can cause high energy bills, poor indoor air quality, and health issues, among many other problems. For attic cleaning, it is important to find a qualified professional for the job. Located in Walnut Creek, CA, Attic Efficiency is the area’s trusted attic cleaning expert. As the first choice for attic care, the locally owned and operated company provides superior services for competitive prices. Attic Efficiency proudly serves the San Francisco Bay Area and is licensed, insured, and fully bonded.

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

ATTIC EFFICIENCY

161 N CIVIC DR APT 135

WALNUT CREEK CA 94596-3902

Top Signs of Needing A Duct Repair

 Ductwork is used to distribute air from the heating and cooling system (HVAC) throughout the home. While it is one of the least considered components of the home, proper air duct installation and the condition of the air ducts are critical to air quality and energy efficiency, explains Walnut Creek’s premier attic and insulation services company, Attic Efficiency.

Astonishingly, Energy Star states that “more than half of new systems in U.S. homes do not perform to their rated efficiency.” Part of this is due to improper ductwork installation and maintenance.

Damaged ductwork directly impacts energy bills, system performance, and indoor air quality. Here are the top signs it is time to talk to an air duct repair company.

Whistling or Rattling Noises When the System is On

The HVAC system pushes pressurized air through the air ducts to each room in the home. If the air duct system has holes or cracks, air will escape through the gaps and create noises such as whistling, vibrating, and rattling.

Poor Air Flow

When the air duct system has damage and holes, air will escape along the system. This condition reduces air pressure, reducing the flow to various areas and resulting in less heat or cooling reaching the destinations.

Temperature Variations in the Home

An air leak or blockage will cause uneven heating throughout the home. Some of the problems that can cause this include bent ducting, holes, cracks, and obstructions.

Increased Dust in the Home

Another sign it is time to talk to an air duct cleaning company for cleaning and repairs is that the home seems to get dusty more quickly than it should. Gaps in the ductwork allow dust to settle or push out dust into the room when the system turns on.

Dusty Vents

Dusty vents are another sign it is time to talk to an air duct repair company. If the system picks up dirt, dust, pollen, and other contaminants via damaged ducting, those particles may accumulate around the vent.

Musty and Moldy Smells

When there is a problem with the ductwork, such as poorly insulated ducts or a duct leak, it sometimes manifests itself with excess moisture that can cause mold growth producing an unpleasant smell when the system turns on. The presence of mold can additionally cause health issues such as respiratory problems.

The Energy Bills Have Spiked

When there is a problem with the ductwork, the HVAC system has to work harder to keep the home climatized. The extra work on the HVAC system leads to increased energy usage and higher energy bills. It also decreases its longevity.

Professional Air Duct Installation and Repairs

If a system exhibits signs of needing repairs, it is important to contact a professional air duct installation company for quality air duct repair. A professional can inspect the system, identify the issues and correct the problems. To find the best service provider look for these things:

  • The company is licensed, bonded, and insured
  • Locally owned company
  • A history of positive reviews

Top Air Duct Installation Company in Walnut Creek

Air duct problems cause high energy bills, reduced performance, poor indoor air quality, and poor air distribution, among many other problems. For air duct installation or repair, it is important to find a qualified professional for the job. Located in Walnut Creek, CA, Attic Efficiency is the area’s trusted attic insulation and air duct repair expert. As the first choice for attic care, the locally owned and operated company provides superior services for competitive prices. Attic Efficiency proudly serves the San Francisco Bay Area and is licensed, insured, and fully bonded.

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

ATTIC EFFICIENCY

161 N CIVIC DR APT 135

WALNUT CREEK CA 94596-3902

Top Signs You Need A New Attic Insulation

 Although most people do not think of their attic until it is time to find the holiday decorations or the long-forgotten keepsake, the attic is one of the home’s most important spaces. When the attic does its job, it blocks outdoor heat from getting in during the summer or heat escaping in the winter and helps control moisture levels. But, the attic can only do its job if the insulation is in good condition, explains Walnut Creek’s premier attic and insulation services company, Attic Efficiency.

Most people never consider the condition of their insulation, but they should. Insulation does not last forever; its condition matters to the home’s comfort and energy efficiency. When attic insulation should be replaced depends heavily on its age and condition.

Here are the top signs it is time to talk to an insulation contractor.

Utility Bills Have Increased

One good way to identify a problem with the insulation is by seeing a steady increase in utility bills without other explainable causes. The older insulation gets, the less effective it can become. As a result, energy bills can creep up even when you are not increasing usage.

Rooms are Drafty

Insulation helps cut down on draftiness in the home. When it is old, worn, thinning, or damaged, places in the home may feel more drafty than they once did.

Inconsistent Room Temperatures

When an attic isn’t insulated properly, the temperature in the home may feel uneven, with some rooms feeling warmer or colder than others, even when running the HVAC system.

Pest Infestation

Insulation makes a home cozy, but unfortunately, the material can also make a comfortable home for pests. Mice, rats, raccoons, birds, and bugs are all attracted to insulation to make nests. The presence of pests is a huge problem for insulation as all of their activities cause the material to degrade. Additionally, urine-damaged insulation can become a major health hazard. If a pest problem exists, it is important to work with a pest control service to eradicate it before talking to an attic insulation contractor for removal or replacement.

The Insulation is Old, Worn, or Damaged

Sometimes it is possible to see that the insulation is old, worn, or damaged. Signs of this may include water or rodent damage, mold, or the material breaking down. If it is difficult to tell, but the other problems are present, it is a good idea to talk to an attic insulation contractor.

When to Talk to An Attic Insulation Contractor

If a home has any signs of a problem with insulation, it is probably time to talk to an attic insulation contractor. Experts recommend having the attic insulation inspected by a professional at least once a year. A professional can identify the problem and suggest solutions for new insulation. It is also important to have insulation professionally removed as older types of insulation may pose a health hazard and should be handled with care.

Top Insulation Contractor in Walnut Creek

Whether for attic insulation repair or replacement, it is essential to find a qualified professional. In Walnut Creek, CA, Attic Efficiency is the area’s trusted attic cleaning, insulation replacement, and rodent-proofing expert. As the first choice for attic care and cleaning, the locally owned and operated company provides superior services for competitive prices. Attic Efficiency proudly serves the San Francisco Bay Area and is licensed, insured, and fully bonded.

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

ATTIC EFFICIENCY
161 N CIVIC DR APT 135
WALNUT CREEK CA 94596-3902

Attic Efficiency Helps Homes Save Money and Energy with Air Duct Repairs

 Studies show that air duct leaks can cause energy bills to increase by up to 30%. That is why it is essential to have air ducts checked and...