For your home’s heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) system to work correctly, there must be an interaction between the air inside your home and the air outside your home. This mingling of the inside and outside means there’s not only space for air to come into your home, but also for pests and vermin.
Your home’s HVAC system has plenty of entryways for pests and critters, but you don’t have to leave yourself vulnerable to these nasty bugs. Let’s learn some tips on keeping outside things, outside.
Tips for Protecting Your Home’s HVAC System from Pests
Seal All Points of Entry
Carefully run over the exterior of your home’s HVAC system and check for points of entry. This includes where pipes snake into the home and other tiny openings. Seal all points of entry to limit your potential pest damage. For the most efficient house-sealing (and to help your utility bill) hire a professional HVAC service to seal any possible leaks or points of entry for your system.
Ductwork, Too
Run your hand along your ductwork while your HVAC is on to feel for leaks. Seal any leaks or rips with duct tape to prevent animal entry. Take a careful eye to where ductwork connects to other components as these are the most common areas for holes and rips.
Perform Regular HVAC Maintenance
A regular HVAC inspection will show you potential problem areas or areas that are currently causing you pest issues. A certified HVAC tech can find potential entry areas and other vermin problems and can take care of the problem at hand to prevent it from happening in the future.
Proactive Approaches
Help your home’s HVAC system by having your home protected against common pests and vermin. Most homeowners only need annual or twice annual service from a local pest control company to drastically reduce pest issues in your HVAC system.
Watch for Leaks and Puddles
Every living organism needs moisture to survive, and if your home is nice and dry, critters won’t like it. Common areas of moisture include around condensers, drain lines, and the notorious puddle under the water heater. Standing water or water from your HVAC is never good regardless of pest control, so get any moisture or puddling issues taken care of sooner than later.
Pests and vermin should remain outside to live their life and shouldn’t find a welcome entry into your home through your HVAC system. Seal all entries including ductwork, have your system inspected regularly, use a professional pest service, and watch for leaks and puddles to reduce your chances of pest issues. A home and HVAC system free of pests is a happy home.
