Nobody enjoys cleaning the attic. In fact, most people would rather forget that it’s there completely. Unfortunately, though it is hidden, the attic is still connected to the living space and everything that happens up there affects the rest of the house. If you are waiting for something to give you that much needed nudge to clean the attic, here are some sure signs:
Increased utility charges
Most homeowners have a constant energy bill that changes only slightly. If you start experiencing an increase in energy bills and nothing new has been added to the grid, it means that your heating and cooling system is working extra hard. One of the reasons why this could be the case is a blockage or clogging of the air ducts or the filter. When the attic is full of dust, the air conditioner collects all that dust and gets the ducts clogged causing the AC to overwork and use more energy. Apart from changing the filters and cleaning those air-ducts, you must also clean-up the attic using a good duster or vacuum cleaner.
Health issues
Traditionally, things like flu, cold and asthma were known to be caused by outside factors. Today, the house is the main culprit of health issues including asthma, bronchitis and even cancer. If you start noticing various abnormal health issues like sneezing, wheezing, teary eyes, dizziness and asthma, the problem could be the indoor air quality. Cleaning up the attic and the air ducts will greatly improve the air quality in the house.
Bad odor
Do you have a spotless house, the gutters are clean and the plumbing is sound and yet your house still smells funny? The problem could be the attic. Accumulation of dust, debris, animal waste and dead animals could all cause a horrible smell that will come to the living space. A thorough cleanup of the attic and removing all those droppings and carcasses should take care of the problem.
Changing indoor temperature
If your house is well insulated, the indoor temperature should remain constant whether its summer or winter. However, if you start noticing some changes in temperature, it means there is a problem with the insulation. A thorough attic cleanup and removal of all old insulation in preparation of installing a new one is a great idea.
Animal infestation
You can tell you have an animal infestation on the attic if you hear strange noises up there, see small droppings and notice chewed wires around. The only way to get rid of these pests is to have a thorough professional cleaning of your attic that includes fumigation. The professionals can also do repairs on the attic and on the damaged insulation as well as seal any entry points.
A regular attic cleanup is no cup of tea but it is necessary. If you are scared to go up there or you have serious allergies, you can hire a professional cleaning company to restore your attic to its original glory.
