Heating and cooling account for one of the highest shares on homeowners’ energy bills, so it makes sense to maintain your HVAC unit and ensure it does not become a costly problem in the future. One way to make sure your HVAC unit is not going to cause any issues is by making sure there are no pests in it. Pests and animals near or in your HVAC unit can lead to severe damage and increase the presence of odors caused by pest droppings. To help you avoid any pest damage to your heating and cooling system, the pros at OnTime Service have prepared a list of ways to prevent pests in your HVAC unit.
1. Clean Your Outdoor Condenser
The outdoor condenser is a vital component of your unit because it serves the purpose of dissipating hot air away from your home. It is also very vulnerable to pests and damage because it is generally located outside. To keep it well-maintained, keep a clearance of at least 2 feet around your condenser to ensure there is no vegetation or foliage near it, Any vegetation will attract pests such as rodents that might get a little too close to your outdoor unit.
Another way you can prevent any pests is by regularly ensuring your outdoor condenser is clean. Shut off the power to your HVAC unit, then vacuum any grass and debris from the exterior fins of the condenser without bending them, using a brush attachment. You can also clean the inside of the unit by unscrewing the top grille and removing the fan without messing with the electrical wires. Carefully pluck out any debris inside and use a damp cloth to wipe inside the condenser. End your condenser cleaning routine by spraying some pest repellant at the very base of the condenser.
2. Screen Your Vents
Keeping your doors and windows shut tightly is not enough to keep spiders and mosquitoes out of your home. You also might need to check the vents and registers in your home and cover them with screens, if possible. By using vinyl screens that are often used for windows you can prevent pests from entering your home without blocking the opening in the vents. Simply cut out a piece of vinyl screening to fit the size of the duct, then secure it to the inside of the vent cover.
3. Clean and Seal Your Ductwork
When homeowners consider HVAC maintenance, they often leave ductwork out of the equation. However, ductwork that is clean and free of pests is vital to breathable indoor air. Air circulates through your ductwork and it’s important that it isn’t exposed to pollutants and allergens. Make sure your ductwork is clean and has very limited dust and dander. For ductwork cleaning, it is best to call a professional as ducts are often in hard-to-reach or dangerous locations.
In addition, make sure there aren’t any gaps or cracks in your ductwork as pests might get in through these openings. Properly sealing your ductwork also ensures your HVAC unit doesn’t have to work harder to bring the indoor temperature to your liking.
Protect Your HVAC Unit with OnTime Service
We hope this list of ways to prevent pests in your HVAC unit was helpful. If you want to learn more about how you can protect your HVAC unit from pests, get in touch with the pros at OnTime Service based in the Birmingham and Eastern Shore/Mobile areas. Our team of experts will be sure to answer your questions and cater to your HVAC needs. Call us today at 205-942-1405 (Birmingham) or 251-272-3595 (Eastern Shore/Mobile). You can also fill out a service request form on our website!
