A New Kitchen

What You Need To Know About Keeping Critters Out Of Your HVAC System

2 May 2017

Elizabeth Mendoza

Many homeowners are concerned with the energy efficiency of their HVAC system, windows and doors, and work hard to make sure the heat stays inside and the cold stays out in the winter. In the summer, cool air belongs inside while hot, humid air remains outdoors. But above all, and perhaps just as important, insects and other pests should stay outside as well no matter what time of year it is.

By pest proofing the components of your HVAC system, you will be able to keep bugs and other unwanted guests out of your home, thus averting damage and protecting your family from health risks.

Problems With Pests And HVAC Systems

Annoying pests can enter your home via your HVAC system if you live in an area where infestations are common. If you live in a rural area, you might have raccoons, snakes, or mice. If your home is near a body of water, there might be an abundance of insects. Sometimes your components are in poor condition, allowing easy access to everything that crawls, flies, and creeps. Here are a few problems that might occur when pests enter your HVAC system.

• Health

If you or any family members suffer from allergies, pests within the HVAC system can trigger their symptoms. Being continually exposed to allergens from insects such as cockroaches and small animals like mice and rats worsen allergic reactions.

Air quality is affected if debris from pests is allowed to circulate throughout your home. Droppings and even dead animals create nasty odors that spread as the HVAC system is in operation.

If you use pesticides indoors in an attempt to eradicate those pests, you may be at risk for various health issues. Pesticides irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs. Others cause diarrhea and vomiting, and can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.

If unwanted animal life is hanging out in or around your HVAC components, they are a threat to people nearby. Rodents will bite and bees and other insects can sting, potentially harming children that are playing or other people outdoors.

• Damage

Bugs, rodents and other pests that choose to nest in your HVAC system can cause damage to the ductwork, exhaust vents and condenser unit. The results can be expensive when it's time to make those repairs. If you're trying to sell your home, damaged HVAC systems are often one of the first issues found during a home inspection. This can lessen the value of your home.

Keeping Them Out

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to keep pests from entering your home via your HVAC system.

• Make sure any cracks and gaps in the duct system are sealed to prevent pests from getting into the ductwork. Once inside, they have a private highway to travel all around your home and distribute their dander and droppings, and damage the ducts as they nest and chew. Closing up openings also increases the efficiency of your HVAC system.
• The exterior condenser unit is another hang out for unwanted guests. If they can get inside, they can chew and scratch, ruining components. Worse, their urine and droppings can be corrosive. Keep them away by having the area surrounding the unit clean and free from weeds and garbage.  Consider spraying an animal repellent on and around the condenser. Look for a product make of natural ingredients rather than chemicals, which can cause health problems.
• Various flue pipes, fresh air intakes and exhaust vents keep your HVAC working efficiently. They are also welcoming entrances into your home. If animals enter and become trapped, their bodies block the flow of fresh air, creating dangerous carbon monoxide. By covering the flues and vents, you can keep them out. 

By making sure animals and insects cannot enter your HVAC components, you can prevent damage to the system and avoid many health risks. Visit a site like http://www.ueinc.us for more information on keeping your HVAC in good shape. 

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