Warm temperatures result in dependency on air conditioners. Before your A/C unit malfunctions, make sure to have it inspected and protected from pests, like mice.
Air conditioning is a must for many homeowners during the warmer months of the year. A nice cool house is always a welcome respite from the high temperatures and humidity outside, especially in parts of the country where summer heat may not subside until October.
When your home's air conditioning begins to fail, you need it fixed quickly and professionally. American Home Shield® warranties cover timely repair or replacement of your A/C unit due to normal wear and tear, but sometimes the problem is more significant. If your A/C unit fails due to interference by mice, snakes or other pests, AHS warranty protection will not cover the damage.
What types of pests can damage an air conditioning unit?
A number of different critters that crawl, slither, gnaw or build mounds can cause trouble with your air conditioning system, both inside and outside of the house.
Can mice get through air vents?
Mice are small and flexible enough to get into many tight spaces, including air ducts. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that mice can squeeze through a hole as small as a nickel and that rats can get through a hole as small as a half-dollar.
Rodents in air ducts and vents pose health risks to humans. Some people can have allergic reactions to mouse and rat dander, urine or droppings. Wild rodents can also carry a variety of pathogens that may cause diseases, so it’s important to carefully check your A/C system for any signs of their presence or have a professional pest control technician inspect it.
A dead mouse in the ductwork might be the source of a foul odor that lingers or worsens when the A/C unit is in operation. Dead mice may even have to be removed before the situation improves.
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What about snakes?
Snakes can also slither into exterior air vents when the reptile in question fits through the available vent, crack or hole in the screen. This is not the most common air conditioning problem, but it’s best to keep snakes away from your A/C unit and system.
To discourage snake activity, make them feel less welcome in your yard.
Pest-proofing air conditioning units, ducts and vents
Pest-proofing is an important part of air conditioning maintenance. Preventing outdoor critters and nesting insects from accessing and damaging the A/C unit — or interfering with the wires and lines that connect to it — is a key to keeping the system in good working order.
Prioritize Your Pest-Proofing Routines
An effective way to help prevent pests is to start with a routine and stick with it.
Help Prevent Pests By Sticking To a Routine
If you do find a dead mouse in your ductwork or a pest infestation in your A/C unit, consult a professional pest control service.
Attention to pest-proofing now can help avoid a host of uncovered repairs later. Whether your A/C unit needs a repair or a replacement due to normal wear and tear, American Home Shield® provides warranty services that you can count on. American Home Shield® Home Warranty plans cover up to 21 major components of systems and appliances including your A/C, heating, plumbing, refrigerator, oven, stove and more.
AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.
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