Know How to Keep Pests and HVAC Apart in Your Home

Did you know that pests can cause severe damage to your HVAC system? They can get stuck in HVAC components, urinate and chew through the parts, and cause compromised functionality and higher energy costs. They carry diseases and can cause indoor air quality issues. Below are some preventive measures you can take to keep pests and HVAC components away from each other.

Keep Your Home Clean

Maintaining a clean home helps prevent pests from being attracted to your home in general and your HVAC system specifically. Clean your house frequently and be on the lookout for any signs of infestations, such as pest waste. Get rid of clutter and store food in sealable containers. Ensure your outdoor HVAC unit is placed on a slab. Keep grass, branches, and other vegetation around the unit trimmed back.

Use Mesh Screens

The air vents on your home’s exterior provide easy entry points for tiny critters into your HVAC system. You can keep them away with a mesh screen whose openings are neither too small nor too large. An aluminum wire mesh that fits over the whole vent is an excellent choice.

Seal Your Ductwork

Gaps, cracks, and loose seals can provide openings for pests. You’ll need to ensure all screws are tightly fastened, panels are well connected, and cracks and gaps are sealed. Use mastic sealant for large holes and foil tape for tiny cracks. A professional can carry out all these tasks for you and seal the whole duct system to keep pests and HVAC separate.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Annual HVAC maintenance by a qualified technician goes a long way toward reducing the chances of pests invading your HVAC system. During a maintenance visit, the technician will notice any signs of pests, seal vents, flues, and ducts, and ensure all components are clean.

The steps above will help you keep pests and HVAC apart. For more information on pests and HVAC systems, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We help Lorain-area homeowners solve their HVAC issues and provide top-quality maintenance services.