Your heating and air conditioning unit does a lot of heavy work to keep your home comfortable and ventilated. It also faces significant wear and tear over the years, some of which is caused by pets and wild animals alike. Unfortunately, damage caused by animals can lead to serious HVAC repair if left unattended. Here's what you need to know about animals and HVAC units, and what you can do to manage problems caused by pets and pests.

How Do Animals Affect Your HVAC Unit?

1. Chewing Ducts and Wiring

While your pets may not come into contact with your ducts, small wild animals likely will. Rats, raccoons, and insects can chew through insulation and ducts on their way through your home, allowing air to seep into crawl spaces or out of your home. If you suspect that your ducts or wiring have been chewed through, contact an HVAC contractor to repair the damage.

2. Shedding Fur & Dander

The same fur that keeps your pets warm and cuddly can lead to severe problems in your heating and air conditioning unit, resulting in costly HVAC repair. Fur and dander can clog up vents, ducts, and your air filters, and can even end up in the air you breathe. To mitigate this, be sure to brush and groom your pets often, vacuum and sweep your floors, and clean out your vents and air filters regularly.

3. Living In the System

As the temperature outside gets colder, many wild animals will seek warm homes to build nests and hide away until spring. Rats, snakes, and other small creatures may find themselves in your ducts or outdoor unit. This can damage wiring and fan blades over time, requiring HVAC repair. An HVAC contractor can help you create an enclosure around your outdoor unit and block off entry points with grates or other deterrents to help keep critters away.

Whether you need emergency HVAC repair or planned preventative measures, Marvin's Heating & Air Conditioning in San Marcos, TX, has you covered. With over 36 years of experience, you can trust that their professional contractors will help you manage or fix any heating or air conditioning problem you have. With their upfront, transparent pricing, you also won’t feel blindsided by costs. Call (512) 396-4791 today to make an appointment or visit their website to learn about their wide range of HVAC services.