Here are some easy ways to maintain pests out of your HVAC system.
Pests tend to enter homes and HVAC systems. This nuisance can develop increased energy costs, indoor air quality problems, and more. Pests can chew electrical wires, urinate or poop on equipment, and even get stuck inside HVAC components. Here are some easy ways to maintain pests out of your HVAC system.
Seal Any Openings
Did you know that an average home has leaks in the ductwork that release between 20 – 30 percent of its conditioned air? Any gaps or cracks can provide an opening for a pest. Also, cracks in duct connections in basements, crawlspaces, and attics can allow pests entrance. You can seal your ductwork yourself with HVAC aluminum foil tape or mastic sealant. Do not use duct tape at all!
Furthermore, use a mesh screen to prevent mice from trespassing the furnace vents that stick out of the side of your home. A fine mesh is not ideal because it can clog and freeze. Instead, search for “hardware cloth,” with openings of ¼ to ½ inches wide. Check the inlet and exhaust pipes to see if they aren’t clogged after a significant storm.
Maintain Your Home Clean
As a homeowner, here are several cleaning tips to avoid pests:
- Utilize trashcans with secure lids and maintain them away from the house
- Frequently clean every inch of your home.
- Store food in sealable containers
- Remove any clutter
- Call a professional plumber to fix a potential plumbing leak (water and moisture attract pests)
- Avoid any receptacles surrounding the home that can collect water
Schedule a Yearly or Bi-Annual HVAC Maintenance
The best way to prevent HVAC issues is by scheduling professional air conditioning maintenance in the spring and heating maintenance in the fall. An experienced and certified HVAC technician will seal ducts and vents to ensure that pests and rodents can’t trespass your HVAC unit.
This will ensure you receive routine tune-ups of your system needs. Rodents and pests can be a problem to indoor air quality and damage your electrical cables and other system components.
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If you have more questions about our services for your home or commercial facility, North Arundel Contracting is here to help you out. Our trained professionals can teach you everything there is to know about emergency and general contracting services. Call us any time at 410-766-2855 or reach us by fax at 410-553-2367. Feel free to send us an email at [email protected]. For after-hours emergencies, call us at 410-541-0328. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.