3 Tips for Pest-Proofing Your HVAC System
This time of year, pests may be looking to seek refuge from the cold, and what better place for them to find warmth than in your home. Ignoring pest problems may lead to damaging consequences – raccoons and squirrels that find their way into your attic, mice that enter your home through small gaps in your HVAC connections and termites that can subtly destroy the structure of your home.
Often, homeowners may overlook one path pests often take into a home: your HVAC system. It’s important to safeguard your home from pests to prevent costly equipment and structural damage and combat health-related hazards from occurring. These simple steps will help to protect your HVAC system and its components from unwelcomed pests.
Seal your clean ducts
Holes, gaps, cracks and larger disconnections in the duct and HVAC system create easy points of entry to your home for unwanted pests. Insects and mice may enter the duct system depending on the size of air leaks through a gap as small as a dime. In addition to damage, pests that make a new home in your ducts can lead to serious indoor air quality issues. We recommend obtaining the services of a professional to seal gaps and cracks in your ducts. Routine pest control service will also help prevent possible infestations. If you have experienced issues from a recent pest infestation, you should have your ducts professionally cleaned to improve the air quality in your home.
Install flue and vent covers
Pests can also enter your home through flue pipes and exterior vents, which is an ideal location for them to build nests. Prevent pests’ point of entry by installing vent covers on all exterior flues, intakes and exhaust pipes. Make sure the covers are installed securely to deter small animals from pulling the cover off. Reap the additional benefit of vent covers, which keep rain water out.
Protect your air conditioning condenser
The best line of defense in protecting your air conditioning condenser from rodents and other small animals is to prevent them from coming near your unit. Rodents and small vermin can cause significant and costly damage to your exterior condenser by chewing, scratching and more. Clean the area surrounding your condenser regularly and clear away any debris. Use mild soap and warm water to scrub the exterior of the unit and the surrounding areas. Pet repellants, which emit scents that deter animals are also an effective line of defense. Spray the repellant on the condenser and its surroundings to deter unwanted pests from coming near your unit.
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