How To Keep Pests Out Of Your Heating System During the Winter

There is nothing worse than an infestation! Pests are a problem year-round, but decreased temperatures can escalate the problem. Pests can die in HVAC systems, releasing bacteria that you could breathe in every day, making your air potentially harmful for you and your family. If you’re worried about pests trying to sneak into your house for warmth, read on!

Here at Skelton’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we can take care of those pesky pests! We have been servicing Birmingham heating systems since 2001, and take pride in our service. With an award-winning hassle-free mantra, we are here for all your HVAC needs!

What are Common Heating Unit Pests?

Depending on the time of year, you should prepare your house in different ways. The most common types of critters you can expect to see are:

• Mice
• Roaches
• Ants
• Snakes
• and Raccoons

All of them will be seeking the same thing: shelter and warmth. The presence of any of these animals can cause electrical, ventilation and air circulation issues. This damage can also be long-term if intervention isn’t early.

How Can I Protect My Heating System?

Keeping winter pests outside of your HVAC system can be more complicated than it sounds. While a traditional cover can be used, it can prevent proper circulation. Instead, you should focus on the prevention of entry.

Entry Points and Ductwork

Whenever your air conditioner starts to get a bit older, it’s worth looking at your ducts more closely. Constant usage and rumbling of machinery can make it difficult for nuts and bolts to stay in place. This can cause gapping and holes to be left in your ductwork, providing an ideal entry for pests. The same can be said for cracks in the walls near units, or even small holes! If you notice your ductwork has holes, our HVAC professionals will be able to repair it! Looking for this and other entry points near your heating and cooling systems will greatly reduce the likelihood of entry.

Removing Pest Waste

Pests in your heating system will leave behind traces of waste or eggs. These actually serve a dual purpose: attracting mates and starting communities. Whenever animals build a community in an area, they leave scent glands behind to alert others that the area is safe. This is the last thing you want in your heating unit, so cleaning with chemicals will kill the smell. You should also make sure to watch out for dust, danger and bacteria left behind by pests, as they can greatly affect indoor air quality.

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is one of the most important parts of keeping pests out of your systems. From natural remedies such as peppermint oil to hardcore preparations like bleach, cleanliness is key to clearing HVAC systems. Pests are drawn to food, other pest waste and warmth. The best way to make sure that pests aren’t drawn to your system is a mix of physical coverage and chemical cleanliness.

Tired of Fighting Against Pests?

Preventative maintenance and taking out pest waste can be hard to do on your own. At Skelton’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we want to take care of your Birmingham heating system. Whether your issue with pests is big or small, your indoor air quality can be affected. If you’re concerned your heating and cooling system might have pests inside, give us a call for an air conditioner maintenance check! We want to make sure you’re breathing clean air!