Insects, rodents and other pests can invade heating and cooling systems for various reasons, including a lack of maintenance or having equipment that’s reached the end of its lifespan. In addition to extensive damage to internal components, this can lead to indoor air quality problems and also pose serious health risks to occupants.
Prevent pest infestations and the accompanying problems by taking steps to ensure your HVAC system and its components are protected. Read on to learn some helpful tips:
Install flue and vent covers. Cover intake and exhaust vents and exterior flues to prevent pests from getting into your home or business. Mesh screens made of aluminum can help keep them out, but these must be installed securely. Rats, birds and other small animals can be resourceful and may find a way to remove these covers if they’re not attached tightly enough.
Seal ducts. Gaps, cracks and disconnections in your ductwork create points of access for pests to enter your HVAC system and the interior of your home or business. Get in touch with your local HVAC contractor specializing in air duct sealing, cleaning and repair. To enhance pest prevention, consider setting traps near the ductwork.
Keep the outdoors clean. The area where outdoor HVAC units are located shouldn’t be left unkempt and dirty; otherwise, you’ll attract pests, particularly mice and rats. Be sure to keep the area surrounding these units clear of vegetation and any other items that may be lying around. Also, scrub the exterior of the units with warm water and mild soap.
Schedule HVAC maintenance. Keep your HVAC system in good working condition all-year-round by scheduling repair and maintenance work at least twice a year; once in the spring and again in the fall. In addition to ensuring long-term efficiency and performance for your investment, this will also help keep any manufacturer warranties intact.
Acker Heating & Cooling offers scheduled service calls as well as emergency services. Our experienced technicians have advanced diagnostic tools to help find a problem right away and perform the necessary repairs. We also offer maintenance tune-ups to ensure your unit operates safely and efficiently. Call (706) 715-2607 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.