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The idea of animal or insect pests getting inside your HVAC is certainly unpleasant. Fortunately, this is not a common occurrence. However, it does pay to be vigilant and watch for certain signs that you may have unwanted intruders in your HVAC system. Read on for some tips for dealing with pests and HVAC.
Ductwork, Pests, and HVAC
In most homes, the ductwork is out of sight — either up in the attic, down in the basement, or hidden away in a chase. Unfortunately, it's hard to keep an eye on the ducts this way. You won't necessarily know if the segments have become disconnected or have cracks, holes, or other damage.
Once there's a breach, air can leak out and humidity can get in. So can insect pests, theoretically, although most would have trouble sustaining life with those high-pressure rushes of air through the pipes. However, it could happen. Of possible concern is the presence of rodents, roaches, or other insects, creating a bad link between pests and HVAC.
If you detect an unpleasant smell emitting from your vents, you may want to have your ducts inspected and cleaned. Certainly, you should get them repaired so there are no holes or cracks. If you have access to your ductwork, you can repair them with mastic sealant and foil tape.
Condenser Unit
The outdoor condenser unit can be attractive to different types of pests, such as mice or some insect species. Do not cover the unit in winter, as this may invite creatures to seek a sheltered habitat. Have the unit inspected regularly, and if the HVAC tech finds evidence of an infestation, contact your pest-control specialist. Keep the area around the unit clear of weeds, tall grass, leaves, and other debris that may harbor pests, thus creating problems with pests and HVAC.
Vents
Pests may gain access to your HVAC system through flues and vents. If this is a concern, examine your vents to make sure there are no odors or other signs of infestation. Clean your vents regularly, vacuuming as needed.
For more on pests and HVAC problems, contact Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.