Nobody likes a pest. They invade your home, eat your food and sometimes destroy your belongings. This is why we have exterminators. One of the most inconvenient items they can damage is your HVAC system. When they do, you’re left with a lack of temperature control and costly repairs. Berks County’s B&L Ott can help you repair any HVAC damage caused by pests. B&L Ott also recommends preventing HVAC damage using the tips below.
Why Do Pests Invade My HVAC System?
There are many reasons why pests invade your home and HVAC system. One of the likeliest reasons is that they are looking for a protected place to nest. This is why it is important to stop the problem sooner than later. If you don’t get help when it’s just a few, you could end up with a colony of pests in your home. They want their offspring to be safe and protected from predators. Your vents and home are usually a good place for this. It is too small for most predators to enter and has walls to protect them. It is also warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Many pests are also attracted to the smell of the food you store in your home. If you are cooking, the smell of the food will blow through your vents and bring hungry rodents. It is important to properly care for your HVAC system. Inspect all the components regularly and contact B&L Ott if you have any concerns. Proper care can prevent detrimental problems.
What Kind of Damage Do Pests Do?
To move around and build nests, vermin will often chew through your HVAC system’s components. This can cause leaks which can cost you in repairs. The holes also allow energy to escape. When the energy escapes, warm or cool air can be lost. Then your HVAC system has to work harder to reach a comfortable temperature. This can raise your energy bill drastically. If you are interested in selling your home, HVAC damage can also decrease the value of your home.
Pests can also cause air quality dips. If a rodent dies in your air ducts, after some time they will begin to stink and the smell will be sent through your vents. Your home will begin to smell. If you think you need your vents to be cleaned, you can contact B&L Ott. Poor air quality can also cause health issues. Pests bring dander and allergens which can aggravate those with allergies or respiratory issues. Certain pests nesting in your outdoor unit may also aggressively defend their territory. Passersby may experience stings or bites.
How Do I Prevent Pests?
Use these tips from B&L Ott to help prevent pests from getting into your HVAC system.
Seal Ducts and Make Sure Outdoor Grates are Secure
One of the first steps you will want to take is to look for holes or cracks. You should look both in your units and where the components connect to the outside. Openings give easy access to bugs and rodents and invite them into your home. Even if the hole is only the size of a pencil, pests will still be able to squeeze through them. You should inspect your units and look for openings regularly. If you find any cracks, be sure to seal them and search for vermin that may have already gotten into your system.
Install Flue and Vent Covers
Other places where pests sneak into your home include exterior flues, intakes, and vents. These are openings that you shouldn’t seal off. If you did your B&L Ott HVAC system would not work properly. Rather than sealing them off, you can buy special covers help block bugs and rodents. These covers can also help keep water out of your vents. Make sure the cover is tight and secure. If it’s loose resourceful pests will still find their way in.
Protect Your Air Conditioning Condenser
You will also want to protect your air conditioning condenser. Pests may chew the wiring, create leaks or clog the system with nesting. A damaged condenser will affect your HVAC system’s ability to cool your home. If you notice problems, you should contact B&L Ott as soon as possible. If left untreated, damage can lead to cause catastrophic compressor failure. To prevent these issues, clear the area of vegetation that attracts vermin. You can also clean the unit with warm water and mild soap.
Use Bug Repellents
Another solution is to spray bug repellents. It is one of the best ways to keep pests out of the area. Repellents can affect the air quality, though. If you spray chemicals near the system, the unit can intake the molecules and blow them into your home. If you have young children, you may not want them breathing in these chemicals. The best solution is to check your units often and eliminate stray bugs before they colonize.
What to Do
If you notice any pests, the first step you should take is to call an exterminator or pest removal expert. They will know the best way to eliminate or relocate the pests. Afterward, you can clean out your system. If you need any help, you should contact B&L Ott in Reading. One of our technicians can inspect your system for you and provide an estimate for maintenance or repairs.
