In the average household, heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of all the energy expenses. But with the right know-how, you can stretch your climate control dollar and even take care of some of your own routine maintenance. There are also new HVAC systems and the efficiency standards emerging at an ever-increasing pace. It’s more important than ever before to stay on top of the latest opportunities to make cost-effective upgrades.
One major key is identifying solutions for problems like indoor allergens, pet hair and dust – everyday annoyances that can be resolved with quick fixes related to your home HVAC system.
Protect Your HVAC System from Pests in Winter
Pesky pests are a problem home and business owners battle time and time again. Ignoring pest problems can have damaging consequences – termites can destroy your home or building’s structure and tear their way into your attic, ants relentlessly invade your interiors, wasps create nests inside and out, posing a danger to occupants – and more!
Prevent pest infestations and the problems which go along with it by taking steps to make sure your HVAC system and its components are protected.
SEAL YOUR DUCTS:
Gaps, cracks, and larger disconnections in the duct system create points of access for pests to enter your HVAC system as well as your home or building’s interiors. Insects, mice, and larger vermin may enter the duct system, depending on the size of air leaks.
Not only can pests in your ducts cause damage to the ductwork itself, it can cause serious indoor air quality issues. Excrement and dander left behind by the pests will spread into your interiors as conditioned air circulates through the duct system, posing a health hazard to occupants.
Trapping is a better option when ductwork is infested – live traps can be set inside the ducts to trap larger pests such as mice and rats, so they can be removed, while glue traps can be used to catch insects. Duct cleaning can remove dead pests as well as the debris they have left behind to improve indoor air quality.
INSTALL FLUE AND VENT COVERS:
Vent covers should be installed on all the exterior flues, intakes, and exhaust vents. These covers will block pests’ point of entry, preventing them from traveling inside your home or business, and keeping your pipes clear of nests. Make sure vent covers are installed securely; small animals can be resourceful, and may find a way to pull off your covers if they are not on tightly.
PROTECT YOUR AIR CONDITIONER:
Your best line of defense in protecting your condenser is preventing rodents from coming near it to begin with. Keep the area surrounding your condenser clear by cleaning around it on a regular basis. Cut away vegetation and clean excrement, which can attract vermin to the area initially. Warm water and a mild soap can be used to scrub the exterior of the unit as well as the surrounding area.
For further information on preparing your HVAC system for the rough Brighton, CO winter ahead, contact us.
