Attic Efficiency: January 2023

Monday, January 16, 2023

Commonly Asked Questions About Air Duct Repair

Ductwork may not come to mind often, but its condition plays a huge role in indoor air quality, energy bills, and comfort. Ductwork is a system of metal or synthetic tubes used to distribute air throughout the home from its heating and cooling system (HVAC). When they are working as intended, it is easy to forget the system exists. When they require repair, it can lead to inefficiencies and high energy bills, among other problems, explains Attic Efficiency, the leading Walnut Creek air duct repair company.

What Happens If Ductwork is Damaged?

When a home’s air duct system is damaged, it can cause disruptions in the heating and cooling of the home, higher energy bills, and place added stress on the HVAC unit. If there are holes in the ductwork, the system can pick up and distribute dust which may contain contaminants from other areas, such as the attic. Damaged air ducts can lead to poor indoor air quality and increased respiratory issues.

Top Signs of Damaged Ductwork

Increased energy bills
Dusty surfaces around the house
Strange noises such as rattling, whistling, or screeching
Uneven temperature distribution
Odd musty smells
Dirty vents
Increased respiratory issues
Pest infestations

Can Ductwork Be Patched?

Since flexible ductwork is made from less durable material, it is more susceptible to damage. Once the ductwork is found to have holes or rips, or other damage, the next common question people ask their air duct repair company is if it can be repaired or patched.

In many cases, a skilled air duct repair company can patch affected areas. Extreme damage may require air duct replacement, however.

How Often Should Ductwork Be Replaced?

Flexible ductwork might last between 10-15 years before problems arise. The material starts to become brittle, and the stress of air pressure can cause more leaks or areas of the ductwork to collapse. It is best to have the system inspected by an air duct repair company as it reaches the end of what is considered an expected lifespan to avoid problems with failed ductwork, such as high energy bills.

Can I Replace and Install My Own Ductwork?

Homeowners commonly wonder if they can repair or replace their own ductwork. While it is possible, it is definitely not recommended. Professionals spend many practical hours learning the process, and it is not something that can be learned in a few videos.

The ductwork system is surprisingly complex as part of the greater HVAC system. It requires proper sizing, spacing, clearance, balance, installation, and sealing to work properly. If not installed correctly, it can impede adequate airflow and significantly decrease energy efficiency. This also places tremendous stress on the HVAC unit, which reduces its lifespan. The inadequate installation also means the system cannot do its job properly, and occupants do not enjoy its benefits.

Most Common Air Duct Installation Mistakes

Improper installation
Improper placement
Wrong or low-quality materials
Wrong size ductwork
Inadequate ventilation
Inadequate sealing

Ductwork is an essential part of the HVAC system. Working with a reputable air duct repair company can help the system last longer and serve the home better.

Best Air Duct Repair Company in Walnut Creek

Trusted attic and insulation services company Attic Efficiency proudly serves Walnut Creek, CA, and San Francisco Bay Area customers with air duct installation, air duct cleaning, and air duct repair and replacement. The company is recognized for superior customer service and competitive pricing. Attic Efficiency is licensed, insured, and fully bonded, and is a trusted expert in the field.

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

Is Attic Insulation Cleaning a DIY Job?

Most of us do not go into the attic very often. Typically, it can be months or years before an attic sees any human activity. Having low traffic and plenty of space, the attic can become the perfect space to collect dust, debris, and many saved items. It can also become home to rodents and other pests. Eventually, the space needs attention, and the question becomes who is the best fit for the job, explains Walnut Creek industry expert attic cleaning company, Attic Efficiency.

Can You Clean an Attic By Yourself?

If the attic has been cleaned and maintained regularly, it may be possible to address the problems without professional help. If the attic has been cleaned regularly, all that may be needed is a broom and a vacuum to eliminate the dust. If a homeowner finds that the insulation is discolored or damaged, this can indicate mold or animal activity and should be handled by a professional attic insulation cleaning company.

Top Tips for Self-Cleaning an Attic

Wear a high-quality mask. Attics can contain pathogens that are harmful to human health if inhaled.
Wear appropriate clothing, including hooded cover-ups and gloves.
Wash clothing separately directly after cleaning.
Shower directly after the process to remove any pollutants and avoid a transfer.
Wear knee pads. Kneeling for long periods to vacuum and perform other cleaning processes can be painful.
Place all items removed from the attic on a tarp rather than directly on the home’s floor to avoid transferring any contaminants.
Place all debris intended for the trash directly in a trash bag while in the attic space, tie it securely, and then double bag.
Be careful to step or crawl on beams or other supported areas.

How Can You Tell if You Need Professional Attic Insulation Cleaning?

The attic is more than just a place to store old furniture and other mementos. It is an integral part of the home structure whose condition impacts the indoor environment. While there are times when cleaning it oneself is a possibility, there are other times when the job should be done by an expert attic insulation cleaning company.

Here are the top indicators of needing to call an attic insulation cleaning company:

The insulation is worn or dirty.
There are signs of rodents or other pests, such as dropping or urine stains in the insulation.
There are known leaks in the roof.
The attic needs sanitization.
Animal activity signals the need for attic sealing.
The insulation is thought to contain asbestos.
The insulation needs a total replacement.
Cleaning the attic would take a significant amount of time.
Doing it oneself could cause toxins, pollutants, or contaminants to enter the home’s living area.
The job would take professional tools to be safely completed.
Contaminated materials need to be contained and removed properly.
Having existing health sensitivities that could be aggravated, such as asthma.
Having other people in the home whose health could be compromised by mold spores and other contaminants.

While some attic insulation cleaning jobs can be DIY, in most cases, the job is better left to the professionals who can get the job done quickly and safely.

Top Attic Insulation Cleaning Company in Walnut Creek

Debris, spores, mold, and other health hazards can accumulate in the attic and then spread to the rest of the living environment if the attic is not cleaned regularly and properly. Hence, calling an attic insulation cleaning company is so important.

Whether the need is attic insulation cleaning, repair, or replacement, it is vital to find a qualified professional. The company is recognized for superior customer service and competitive pricing. Attic Efficiency proudly serves Walnut Creek, CA, and 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 Cleaning Can Help Reduce the Presence of Contaminants

The attic is an important part of the home structure and is responsible for helping maintain temperature levels within the home. Most homeowners find it as a valuable extra storage space. Neglecting this space, however, can lead to many problems. Without routine inspection and attic cleaning, it is possible to have a contaminated attic without even knowing it, shares the top Walnut Creek attic sanitation company, Attic Efficiency.

Do Attics Need to Be Cleaned?

Like any other part of the home, attics need regular professional care. Every attic should be inspected and cleaned annually by a professional attic sanitation company. Without proper cleaning, unsanitary or unhealthful conditions in the attic can pose a health hazard to occupants of the structure.

What Are the Top Attic Contaminates?

While useful for storing seasonal items or keepsakes, the attic can also harbor dangerous contaminants that can infiltrate the entire home. Because of this, it is important to know the top pollutants and their dangers.

Mold and Mildew

If the attic does not have proper ventilation, condensation can build up in the space. Likewise, a roof leak can also allow water to enter the attic. Both of these conditions can lead to the development of mold and mildew in the insulation, on the structure, or in the stored items. Mold and mildew can lead to breathing problems, asthma, chest pains, dizziness, and fatigue. Molds are also suspected to be connected to autoimmune disease.

Dust

No matter how much time a person spends cleaning a house, if the attic is dusty, the home will be dusty. Dust is more than a nuisance, however. Dust contains dust mites, spores, bacteria, and other tiny particles that easily become airborne with human activity or when the HVAC system is running. Once airborne, these particles can enter the lungs.

Animal Pollutants

It is not uncommon for animals and pests to find refuge from the outdoor elements inside attics. Rodents, raccoons, bats, roaches, and more all like to take up residence in this space. Once there, they leave behind hair, urine, feces, and harmful bacteria. Rodent and pest infestation is known to pose risks, including:

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
Leptospirosis
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
Plague
Rat-Bite Fever
Salmonellosis
Tularemia

Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals made up of heat-resistant fibers and has been used to reinforce insulation (and many other building materials) for decades. While it has long been recognized to pose a serious health hazard, its common use did not cease until 2019. Long-term exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other cancers.

How Do I Know If I Have Asbestos in My Attic?

Identifying the presence of asbestos can be difficult, and since exposure to it can be dangerous, it is best done by professionals. However, if a home was built before 1990, the attic likely has some form of asbestos product used as insulation. Even homes built after 1990 are not excluded from its use. This is another reason why it is vital to contact an attic sanitation company to identify and resolve these critical issues.

Top Attic Sanitation Company in Walnut Creek

The condition of the attic is critical to a healthy indoor environment. Because many pollutants are dangerous to human health, it is important to entrust cleaning and sanitation to a professional attic sanitation company equipped to handle the job.

Whether for attic insulation repair or replacement, it is essential to find a qualified professional.

Attic Efficiency is the local expert in attic cleaning, insulation replacement, and rodent-proofing. The company is recognized for superior customer service and competitive pricing. Attic Efficiency proudly serves Walnut Creek, CA, and the San Francisco Bay Area and is licensed, insured, and fully bonded.