Mother Nature can be inhospitable, especially to machinery. Located outside, your HVAC system is constantly exposed to the forces of nature: seasonal temperatures, extreme weather, and a less often considered factor—wildlife. From cockroaches and ants to raccoons and beyond, a vast array of wildlife could potentially enter your HVAC. But how much of an actual concern is this?
Can Animals Get in Your HVAC System?
Most certainly, yes. Any mid-sized creature that can crawl under your home or into your attic can also access your HVAC and associated ductwork. Raccoons, squirrels, birds, opossums, and other creatures can create mayhem and only require the smallest of entryways.
Keep your eyes open for the following clues that you might have unwanted wildlife in your HVAC:
- Pungent and unpleasant odors, which can indicate animal urine or feces inside the ductwork or, in more extreme cases, that an animal has passed away in your ducts.
- Damage or holes in your foundation or ductwork can be signs of unwanted entry. Flexible ductwork is particularly susceptible to this sort of damage, for instance.
- Audio cues to an infestation include sounds of movement or rustling sounds coming from inside your walls or out of your vents.
The effects of animals entering your HVAC system are myriad and can include allergies, diseases, and damage to the system itself, which can range from minor to extremely destructive.
How Do I Keep Animals Out of My Air Conditioner?
An animal infestation can be problematic and potentially expensive. If too much damage occurs, you might even need to replace your entire HVAC system. Here are several preventative steps you can take:
- A mesh AC cover or protection cage can allow your unit to “breathe” while obscuring it from the squirrel-eye-view.
- Install a vent guard on each vent, if you do not already have them, to bar entry by unwanted creatures.
- Clear away any plants or vegetation immediately around the unit.
- Check for and repair any holes or gaps in your ductwork that might allow rodents access.
- Perform regular maintenance to catch signs of animal infestation early.
Call Express C.O.D for All of Your HVAC Needs
Our parent company, Tragar Home Services, has provided first-class HVAC service to our neighbors in Nassau and Suffolk Counties for over 60 years. Our team has the skills and experience to handle any HVAC needs, from initial installation through the lifetime maintenance of your system. To inquire about HVAC maintenance, installation upgrades, or to schedule a COD oil delivery, contact Express C.O.D—you’ll be glad you did!