14 February 2017
 Categories: , Articles

According to Fixr, the average American will spend anywhere from $250 to $300 to hire an exterminator for whatever pest is living inside their home. In addition to the cost of eradicating the pests, you will also need to repair whatever damage the pests have caused inside your home, including to your HVAC system. If you suspect there are pests in your HVAC system, the damage to the system, your home and your family's health can be catastrophic. Here is some valuable information about pests in your HVAC system, including how to get rid of them:

Signs You Have Pests in Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system is critical to maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. It is composed of a series of ducts that make the ideal home for a variety of different pests, including mice. If left untreated, the mice and other pests will eventually begin to build nests and procreate, which will only make the infestation that much more damaging.

Here are a few signs that you should watch for that indicate you may have pests living in your home's HVAC system:

1. Distinct Sounds and Odors – Two of the first telltale signs of a pest infestation in your HVAC system is the sound they make while scurrying through the ducts and the odor that will permeate your home. If you smell a musty or simply foul odor coming from your vents, chances are a pest is living inside your HVAC system.
2. Decreased Efficiency – The ducts that carry cool or hot air throughout your home are narrow, and when there are several pests or they build a nest, it can block the air flow. This will lead to a noticeable decrease in the system's efficiency.
3. Higher Utility Bills – Finally, when the efficiency of your HVAC system decreases, it will cause an increase in your electricity bill. This is because your HVAC system is having to work overtime to maintain your home's temperature.

Getting Rid of the Pests and The Mess

If you suspect there are pests in your HVAC system or if you've seen them or the damage they have caused, don't hesitate to call two professionals: an exterminator and an HVAC technician. The exterminator will help you determine which pests are making themselves comfortable inside your HVAC unit and will create a plan to get rid of them.

Once the pests are gone, chances are your HVAC system will require some major repairs. This could be anything from replacing components in your air conditioner or furnace to repairing or replacing the system's ductwork. This is a job that should be left to a professional HVAC technician.

Preventing Pests from Entering Your HVAC System

Finally, once the pests have been eliminated from your HVAC system, and any damage has been repaired, it's time to ensure these critters never make their way back into your home. Luckily, there are several simple ways you can pest-proof your HVAC system, including:

• Install mesh screen on all of your home's exterior HVAC vents. This is possibly the easiest way for pests to enter your home, and covering the vents will cut down on the likelihood of your HVAC system and home being invaded.
• Contact your HVAC technician at least once a year to have your system cleaned and inspected. If your HVAC system is infested, the technician will pinpoint the pests much earlier, which will help prevent unnecessary damage.
• Repair any damage to your HVAC system's ductwork. Your technician can examine the all the ductwork and repair any holes or tears. In addition to keeping pests out of your home, having the ductwork repaired will also improve your HVAC system's efficiency.

In addition to causing serious damage to your system, pests in your HVAC system can make your family sick. If you suspect there are pests in your HVAC system, don't hesitate to contact a professional HVAC technician at a company like One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.