Your air conditioning unit keeps your home comfortable, and pests take notice. The lines and ductwork in your HVAC system can make it easy for pests to infiltrate your home, which is why it’s important to protect your unit. The staff at Kauai Air Conditioning & Refrigeration in Kapaa, HI, advise that pests can also cause serious damage and want to share several tips to help you safeguard your unit. Sticking to the advice below will ensure you keep your home pest-free.

3 Ways to Keep Pests Out of Your Air Conditioning Unit

1. Install Vent & Flue Covers

Pests can easily sneak into your system through vents, which is why it’s important to close these areas off. Mice and rats often enter through vents and can cause serious damage to your air conditioning unit by chewing through lines and wires, as well as picking apart components to build a nest. Prevent both of these problems with mesh covers, which allow airflow without pest entry.

2. Remove Vegetation

Any vegetation around your air conditioning unit—especially near the condenser—needs to be removed. It will attract pests that may then nest in the unit since a food supply is nearby. One unique problem is snakes. They often coil up inside the unit and damage multiple components when it turns on. Other rodents and insects can also enter your ductwork this way, leading to more serious indoor infestations.

3. Seal Ductwork

Tiny cracks in your ductwork invite ants, termites, wasps, and other insects to come in and nest, creating a host of problems. Their stings can be dangerous to anyone who is allergic, and ant mounds can cause your air conditioning unit to short circuit if they become large enough. High-grade sealant can eliminate this issue.

If you need assistance with your air conditioning unit or HVAC system, turn to the professionals at Kauai Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. They’re proud to provide comprehensive air conditioning maintenance, installation, and repair services to their clients and have built a local reputation for their professionalism and lasting results. They can also help with your residential and commercial refrigeration needs, so call (808) 822-2770 today to speak with an HVAC contractor.