The topic of frequent maintenance has been a common one, and we have listed numerous risks connected to a poorly kept HVAC system, and various benefits from DIY as well as professional maintenance check-up. Dirt and debris are mentioned often as the cause of many HVAC problems, but who is actually to blame for different debris finding their way into our system? Besides the elements we cannot control, different small animals cause damages that could have been easily avoided by frequent cleaning and caring for the system as a whole.

What Pests Do to Your System

• They destroy components within the units and increase the costs of repair and replacement.
• Larger pests build nests in your system which significantly increases the risk of fire, power loss, and dangerous power surges.
• The debris animals create (fur, uneaten food, dead animals) change the quality of the air inside your home.
• They block your system and decrease the efficiency of your unit.
• They trigger allergies and different respiratory conditions.

Most Common Pests Found in Indoor and Outdoor Units

• Bugs – spiders and cockroaches are the most common bugs infesting our homes, and even though they rarely cause concrete damage to the system, they carry diseases and can be poisonous.
• Mice and rats – these critters love to chew through various materials, including refrigerant lines and other HVAC components, damaging the system. Their bodily fluids and scratching create additional damage.
• Snakes – not a welcome sight, snakes are often drawn to the heat of the condenser coils and are often unfortunate victims of fan blades, damaging the external unit components in the process.
• Squirrels and raccoons – Besides chewing through components, squirrels and raccoons make large holes in the walls of your home, causing draughts and making it difficult to maintain your chosen temperature.

If you encounter any difficulties with pests and the damage they cause or have any questions, contact us at Total Comfort Heating and Cooling to schedule a consultation with our team.