Rodents, insects, pests, and pets can cause a lot of damage to outdoor condenser units. From the corrosive effects of urine to critters getting trapped within the system, your best bet is to prevent them from coming near the unit in the first place.
Those large, warm spaces make them feel comfortable and safe. But once these intruders move in, they can wreak havoc on your system and find a direct path into your home.
By taking the time to pest-proof your outdoor HVAC unit, you can prevent damage to wiring and other expensive system components. And let’s not even think about some poor creature getting caught in the unit when you turn it on.
Proper annual maintenance with a technician is one way to keep your unit and home pest-free. Here are some tips you can use to prevent rodents from damaging your system and causing other issues:
Inspect Your Outdoor Unit
Every month, conduct a quick inspection of your outdoor unit. Look for any indications of prior pest presence such as chewed wires, ant mounds, urine, or feces.
When you conduct a monthly inspection of your unit, look for any signs of pests, such as:
- Chewed wires
- Foul smells
- Squeaking noises
- Droppings, urine, and dander
- Reduction or loss of cooling efficiency
Contact the Total Mechanical Systems’ professionals or pest control specialist if you find any signs of pest damage to remove them from the premises and repair any damage they may have caused.
Clean Your Outdoor Unit
To help maintain your outdoor HVAC unit and prevent pests from gathering:
- Make sure the area around your outdoor condenser unit is free and clear of any grass clippings, old leaves, and other debris.
- Remove any piles of wood, trash, or other pest-attracting materials from around your unit.
- Store trash cans away from your HVAC unit and home. Make sure all of your trash and recycling cans have tight-fitting lids.
- Never stack anything on top of the unit.
- Trim back overhanging branches.
- Keep firewood as far away from the home as possible.
- Check for any mulch, debris, leaves, compost piles, wood or other debris that is too close to the house. Try to maintain a 2-foot clearance around your foundation to keep pests away.
- Clear away any nearby vegetation and clean the area of any excrement, which can attract insects and vermin.
Check Downspouts
A healthy, unclogged gutter and downspout system is essential for protecting you home from water damage and keeping pests away. At least twice a year, take the time to clean your gutters or call a professional to do it for you.
Seal All Points of Entry
Gaps, cracks, and holes in your system are an invitation for these unwanted guests. To prevent them from entering, consider contacting a professional to clean and seal your ducts. Also, you can install mesh screens on the vents. That way, you will block unwanted access all year round but still keep air flowing when it’s time to use your air conditioner.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
Schedule your annual HVAC maintenance every year! Sign up for a Home Comfort Club plan to make sure you never forget the important home maintenance task of annual HVAC tune-ups.
If you follow these tips to pest-proof your outdoor HVAC unit and make a habit of upkeeping your system, you should see no signs of rodents or other pests near or inside of it. For further help with protecting your unit, or if you discover any damage, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
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Sources: https://www.servicechampions.net/blog/prevent-pests-outdoor-hvac-condenser-units, https://txairtech.com/four-easy-ways-to-prevent-rodents-from-damaging-your-a-c/
