Small Pests? Big Problems: How to Protect Your HVAC System

PESTS
09/14/2016

Home and business owners know all too well how a small pest can lead to a nasty and pricey infestation. If your HVAC unit is old and loose, in a heavily vegetated area or near food or waste, it can leave your entire system and home susceptible to insects and other pests.

While larger pests such as raccoons and rats can compromise the integrity of your HVAC system, smaller pests like termites will wreak havoc on the entire foundation of your home. From pest control to replacing your entire HVAC unit, a small pest issue can turn into a massive expense.

Perhaps no expense is felt more severely than the health complications that a pest infestation can cause. Prevention is the best way to pest control your HVAC system and maintain your quality of life.

Effects of a pest-infested HVAC system

There is nothing pleasant about a pest infestation. Aside from a pest’s gross nature, any given pest can carry a host of serious diseases or allergens that can be a major detriment to your quality of life.

Quality of life

When mice or rats enter a home’s HVAC system, they utilize the system’s ducts to navigate throughout the household. Once in the ducts, the odor from dead pests and waste are pushed through the ventilation system. This is not only unpleasant, but can also spread dangerous allergens throughout the home. Those with respiratory concerns are at a higher risk for irritation or an asthmatic attack.

Occupants are at risk of general health concerns from the many diseases that pests may carry as well as any complications that may arise from any pesticide eradication efforts.

Unit and property damage

Larger pests can scratch and nibble right through both your HVAC unit and your wallet. Pests that have made a home in your ducts can cause irreparable damage through biting and urination, forcing home owners to replace entire components of their HVAC system.

Preventative pest proofing an HVAC unit

Pest prevention for HVAC units starts on the outside. Your condenser, exhaust, intake and flues are all exposed to your home’s surroundings. In order to protect these popular pest access points, it’s imperative to invest in the proper covers and diligently monitor the area around your condenser to ensure nothing is attracting pests.

HVAC pest prevention:

•    Seal your older, looser ducts
•    Cover your vents and flues
•    Eliminate any vegetation, food or waste around your condenser
•    Treat your exterior and your condenser with a pest repellant
If you find pests in your HVAC system, protect the integrity of your air quality by using traps instead of poison. Not only will poison compromise the quality of your air, but it also kills the pests inside the ducts, leaving them there to omit an awful odor and harmful dander.
For more HVAC advice or to replace a damaged HVAC system, contact an AirMaxx HVAC specialist. We pride ourselves on being the premier San Diego HVAC company and love to provide our loyal San Diego area customers with solutions to the simplest and most complex HVAC concerns.

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