How to Keep Pests Out of Your HVAC System

There are a number of factors that could be impacting the functioning and efficiency of your HVAC system, but did you know that pests are one of them? Pests that find their way into your home and your home’s HVAC system can put your home’s air conditioner functionality and efficiency, indoor air quality and energy costs in jeopardy. 

Different types of pests can infest and overrun your home’s HVAC unit. These invaders can be:

• Spiders
• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Snakes
• Cockroaches
• Rodents (rats, mice, etc.)
• Ants

In addition to being a nuisance, pests can cause actual damage to your air conditioning system as they often chew through electrical wires, get stuck while moving through different parts of the HVAC unit, build nests/collect debris in your system and urinate on the machinery. 

Pests can also die inside of the system, which can cause another host of problems such as maggots, mildew and the growth of mold and other fungi. 

If you believe you might have a pest infestation, you should seek out professional AC maintenance services immediately in order to address your system’s problems. 

Ways to Keep Pests Out of Your HVAC Unit

There are multiple preventative measures you can take to avoid pest infestations and the cost of addressing pest infestations and air conditioning system issues related to pests. Utilize the following tips, including advice on air conditioner maintenance and cleaning, to keep trespassers out of your HVAC system. 

Keep Your Home and Your HVAC System Clean

Clutter and trash can attract pests to your home where they can then invade your AC unit. Therefore, it’s always good to practice cleanliness and tidy up regularly in order to avoid pest infestations. Cleaning your home regularly, storing food in sealed containers and using trash cans with lids can discourage pests. 

Removing debris around your ac system and regularly cleaning filters and ac components can also be helpful in keeping pests at bay. 

Plug Cracks or Holes in Your Home

Plugging cracks or holes in your home is key to averting pest infestations as these cracks or holes are often where pests will enter your home and access different parts of your HVAC system.

Sealing and reducing the number of cracks, holes and gaps in the foundation of your home or building can prevent pests from entering your space in the first place and save you money in AC maintenance and pest removal costs. 

Cover Your Exhaust Pipes and Furnace Vents

Furnace vents and exhaust pipes on the outside of your home are a few other points of entry that tiny pests may crawl into. While you don’t want to seal off these areas for safety reasons, you can cover them with mesh that will keep those tiny creatures out and prevent any unwanted guests from crawling inside.

If you do choose to cover these areas with a mesh lining, be sure that the holes are an appropriate size that will keep pests out and regularly check to see that the covering hasn’t blocked or clogged any pipes or vents. 

Schedule Regular, Professional AC Maintenance

The best way to prevent any pesky and unwanted pests from entering your home and damaging your HVAC unit is to regularly schedule an AC tune-up with a professional. Professionals can offer air conditioner cleaning and air conditioner maintenance services that can help keep your home and AC system pest-free!

Bi-annual AC maintenance is suggested to keep your air conditioning system on top of its game and free from any infestations.

Contact Us

At Efficient Systems, we pride ourselves on the premier home services we offer, including our expert cooling and heating service. Contact us to schedule an AC tune-up for your HVAC system, and take the first step in pest prevention today!