Your heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system does a lot to keep your home comfortable. That being said, the warmth it exudes in the fall and winter can lure other creatures to it as well. The guide below looks at some of the pests who might enter your home via the vents or heat exchanger and what you can do about it. 

What Animals Can Cause Damage to Your HVAC?

Mice

Mice love tight spaces like HVAC systems and can cause significant damage. These critters may chew through refrigerant lines and wiring and use the duct materials to build their nests. 

Raccoons

Raccoons don’t just love getting into your trash cans. They can also make their way into your HVAC system and disconnect ventilation, chew through electrical wiring, and block air circulation. 

Snakes

These cold-blooded critters are unable to regulate their own body temperatures and may seek warmth in the ductwork. These reptiles can damage the fan blades by biting down on them.

Roaches

Roaches are small enough to fit inside the tiny cracks and holes that lead to your heating and air conditioning system. Although they don’t cause as much damage as other pests, they can spread diseases. They can also leave dirt in the ductwork, negatively affecting indoor air quality.

How to Keep Pests Away

If you’re worried about pests invading your heating and air conditioning system, seal your ductwork with mastic sealant. Because many pests are attracted to dark and moist environments, keep moisture levels on your AC condenser unit under control. If you see pools of standing water around the unit, it indicates a blockage in your HVAC system, possibly caused by pests. Regardless, call a professional to resolve the issue before it shortens your unit’s life span.

It’s also important to schedule yearly HVAC maintenance. Experts will catch needed repairs early on before they can become more extensive—and expensive—problems.

If you’re looking for reliable heating and air conditioning maintenance services, turn to the professionals at Green Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning in Lakewood, CO. They have more than 25 years of experience installing and servicing brand name air conditioners and heating systems and always put their customers first. This is part of why these professionals have earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. For more information about their services, visit their website. Call (303) 985-4884 to schedule service.