June 25, 2024
Rodents, insects, pests, and pets can cause a lot of damage to your outdoor HVAC unit. From the corrosive effects of urine to critters getting trapped within the system, your best bet is to prevent them from coming near the unit in the first place. By taking the time to pest-proof your outdoor condenser unit, you can prevent damage to wiring and other expensive system components. Read on to learn how to prevent pests around your outdoor HVAC condenser.
It may not look like much, but your air conditioner’s outdoor unit is a welcome abode to many critters, and these pests damage your HVAC. The condensate provides a constant source of moisture, a dirty air filter offers food, there are ample small hiding places, and the wiring is a favorite for rodents looking for ways to keep their teeth sharp.
With a little know-how, it's easy to tell if you have a pest infestation in your outdoor HVAC unit. Signs of pests in your AC include:
Scat or droppings
Nesting materials like wood chips and paper scraps
Wasps nests
Shed snakeskin
Bad odors like urine, must, or decay
When you're trying to prevent pests in your outdoor HVAC unit, it helps to have an idea of the types of pests common to North California.
While you probably don’t consider your dog a “pest,” their urine can be extremely damaging to your condenser unit. The corrosive effects of dog urine can lead to very expensive repairs. Either you will have to replace the condensing coil/unit, or you will suffer efficiency and performance consequences.
It’s not uncommon for birds to nest in and on outdoor air conditioners. They add to the debris buildup as they constrict the nest, blocking airflow and straining the system. In the state of California, it is illegal to move or destroy any nesting bird.
Mice, rats, and other rodents are attracted to the shelter and the wires, which they use for dental hygiene. Rodents in the AC unit often construct nests, adding to debris buildup and restricting airflow to the system.
Snakes, like rodents, make nests and damage electrical components. Some snakes in your AC unit — such as rattlesnakes — pose a threat to safety. Pest-proof your outdoor HVAC unit to safeguard your household and invited guests.
While insects in your AC unit don’t necessarily cause significant damage the way rodents can, their presence is a nuisance and can indicate excess moisture. Mosquitos reproduce in standing water, and many spiders enjoy moist environments.
Here are seven maintenance tips and prevention strategies to help keep pests out of your AC unit.
Every month, conduct a quick inspection as part of your outdoor AC condenser maintenance. Look for any indications of prior pest presence, like chewed wires, potential access points, or breeding grounds such as pooling water. Contact an HVAC or pest control specialist if you find any signs of pest damage.
If there is pooling around your HVAC unit, look for ways to improve drainage to reduce moisture. You may need to fix the grading around your unit. If the water table is too high, elevate the unit.
You can help keep dogs and other animals from urinating on your condenser unit by constructing a barrier. However, you must be careful — you can’t use a mesh screen or cover to protect your AC. The trick is to protect the AC unit from pets while also allowing enough airflow for the unit to perform efficiently.
One way to do this is with a fence or trellis to ensure ample airflow. There should be a minimum 24-inch clearance around the entire unit for circulation and to grant enough room for your HVAC technician to conduct maintenance and repairs.
Perform regular maintenance around your outdoor HVAC unit to prevent pests from gathering.
Ensure the area around your outdoor condenser unit is free and clear of any grass clippings, old leaves, and other debris
Store any piles of wood, trash cans, or other pest-attracting materials away from around your unit, preferably in a different part of your yard
Never stack anything on top of the unit
Trim back overhanging branches
Check for mulch, leaves, compost piles, wood, or other debris that is too close to the house. Try to maintain a 2-foot clearance around your foundation to keep pests away.
Clear away any nearby vegetation and clean the area of any excrement, which can attract insects and vermin
Instead of having a lot of grasses and plants around your unit, which can block airflow and clog the coil, utilize dry landscaping techniques or xeriscaping. Consider the following ground covering instead of grass, small stones, and dirt:
Decorative stones
Bricks and masonry
Granite
Clay
River rocks
Xeriscaping around your outdoor HVAC unit is easy and inexpensive with just a few supplies and a little time. It’s one of the best landscaping practices to aid in HVAC condenser pest control.
A healthy, unclogged gutter and downspout system is essential for protecting your home from water damage and keeping pests away. At least twice a year, take the time to clean your gutters or call a professional to do it for you.
If your downspouts are not properly draining water away from your home, consider installing downspout extenders. Point the downspouts toward a low point or sewer drain.
Schedule spring AC maintenance every year before you start relying on your cooling system full-time. Sign up for our MVP+ Maintenance Plan to make sure you never forget the important home service task of bi-annual HVAC tune-ups.
Water is one of the main attractions for pests. To ensure your air conditioner is not the source of the moisture, follow these tips:
Schedule professional spring AC maintenance
Confirm the tune-up includes condensate drain clearing and treatment
Regularly change your air filter (every 30-60 days)
Service Champions is known for trustworthy, on-time heating and air conditioning service throughout the East Bay, South Bay, and Sacramento areas. We offer competitive financing solutions and industry-leading guarantees. Contact us today to learn more AC pest prevention tips or to schedule service.
Your AC draws air from the outdoors and pulls it into your home. Fine particulate matter and toxic chemicals found in pesticides can easily migrate into the home, causing skin irritation and breathing difficulties. Even the natural pest control product boric acid is toxic to pets and an irritant for humans if inhaled.
Vinegar and peppermint oil can help repel pests. Spreading cedar chips can also act as pest deterrents for HVAC systems.