If you’re like most people, you don’t give your attic much thought. You know it’s up there, and maybe you even use it for storage, but there aren’t many people who use their attics for anything more than that. Cleaning your attic might seem like a waste of time. However, there are a few things to watch out for. These could give you a compelling reason to clean your attic this year. We’ll cover a few of the signs that you should clean out your attic so that you know what to be wary of.
Higher Utility Bills
You’re likely used to your utility bills being roughly the same every month. Our energy or gas needs don’t change drastically from month to month. However, you may notice that your utility bills are climbing higher, particularly your electricity or heating bill. If so, you may have a problem in your attic that you need to look into. An air conditioner clogged with dust or failing insulation might be the reason that your utility bills look so different.
Unexpected Temperature Changes
Similarly, insulation issues in your attic could start to affect the temperature control of your whole home. Proper insulation should keep your home at a steady temperature for long periods. When your home starts to get too warm or cold, despite your thermostat staying at the same setting, there’s a good chance that your attic is the issue. Cleaning your attic can help you find where the insulation has broken down and make it easier to fix.
New Mold or Mildew
Collections of mold or mildew can wreak havoc on your body’s health, especially if you’re allergic to them. Even if you aren’t, they can still cause unpleasant symptoms in you. If mold or mildew starts showing up on your ceilings or walls, then you should consider that the problem could originate from your attic. Mold and mildew can grow for a long time if you don’t clean your attic. Consequently, it’s a good sign to clean out your attic if you notice even a little bit of either.
Signs of Animal Infestation
The only animals you want in your house are the ones you invite in. Unfortunately, attics are an attractive hiding spot for many different creatures. You may start hearing strange noises coming from above you or, even worse, unusual odors wafting from up there. These could be signs that you have an animal infestation that you need to deal with right away before it gets worse.