Attics come in all shapes and sizes, and Air Conditioning repair often requires one to ascend into a tiny crawl space that is uncomfortable all year round and dangerously hot in the summer months.Â
At Maki Electric, Heating, and Air we know that working in the attic is sometimes necessary. We also know how important it is to understand safety precautions you can take, so that you can maintain your home’s HVAC system and perform minor repairs and cleaning while staying safe in a cramped, hot environment.Â
Most attics are not designed for a lengthy visit, especially in the summer, so be sure to check this list before embarking on your next at-home attic adventure!
#1. Ascend Safely
Most attics have a pulldown hatch with an extendable ladder, but because they are not used often, these makeshift stairs may be made out of thin, flimsy wood or become weakened over time. Make sure that you test these pull-down stairs before climbing on them to ensure they are secure enough to support your weight.Â
#2: Mind your Step
It’s easy to be distracted while performing heating or air conditioning maintenance, but you must be alert and not step on any non-weight-bearing areas such as pockets of insulation or non-supportive beams. If you step on a piece of insulation or another unstable surface, you may cause damage to the ceiling below or even fall through which can cause serious injury or even death. Place your feet carefully only on load-bearing trusses for the most stability.
#3. Wear Protection
Because attics are not spaces that are typically designed to have proper ventilation, the air quality in your home’s attic can be downright dangerous. Insulation releases microscopic fibers into the air that are unhealthy to breathe and mold may be growing in damp corners releasing unhealthy spores into the air. It’s always a great idea to wear an N95 mask to filter your breathing and put on proper eye protection.Â
#4. Be Mindful of Electrical Systems
Oftentimes electricians will run electrical wiring through the attic and down through the walls into your home. It’s important to know where your electrical lines are and be careful not to cut, hammer, or tear wiring when you are working on an air conditioning or furnace repair.Â
#5. Treat the Attic Like a Construction Zone
Because attics are not meant for long-term habitation, they are typically unfinished and built without standard interior features such as drywall, flooring, or finished surfaces. Watch out for:
- Wood that is splintery and sharp
- Nails and staples with sharp edges protruding from the walls
- A ceiling that is most likely lower than the other typical rooms in your home
- Flooring is not very sturdy
Besides wearing a mask and eye protection along with stepping carefully as mentioned before, it’s a great idea to wear pants, gloves, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy work boots or tennis shoes.Â
#6. Prevent Heat Exhaustion
Attics usually become very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer, especially if outdoor temperatures are in the 90s or over 100°. If you can’t help it, it’s easiest to work early in the morning before the house has had a chance to heat up and the heat has risen into the attic. If you absolutely must w
ork during a hot time of the day, make sure to hydrate yourself properly, bring a fan if possible, wear a wet rag around your neck, and take frequent breaks to cool off in the house below.
Make it Maki Heating and Air
At Maki Heating and Air Conditioning, our professionals are used to working in hot, cramped spaces like attics, and our AC repairmen are experts at staying safe on the job. We specialize in AC repair, air conditioning replacement, HVAC cleaning, and helping you find energy-saving solutions for both your home and your wallet.
We are the premier HVAC company serving the Auburn, California foothills and the Greater Sacramento Area, and we love helping our clients save time, money, and energy by coming up with simple solutions together. Just give us a call at (530) 885-3449 or (916) 782-9242 with any questions you have and to schedule your appointment today. We look forward to helping you improve your energy efficiency and save on your heating and air expenses!
