Your HVAC unit is designed to provide you comfort when relaxing indoors. But, how can anyone be comfortable in the presence of rodents? They can’t. That’s why our team is determined to provide insight on what attracts rodents, how these infestations begin, and how to eradicate an infestation properly.
The components of an HVAC unit—and the entry points they provide—make for perfect homes where rodents can safely nest and reproduce. No one wants this to occur in their home. The presence of rodents can cause many issues relative to your HVAC unit and your mental/physical health.
How Do Rodent Infestations Start?
Most homes that feature an HVAC unit often have ductwork designed to carry and dispose of air throughout the household. These ducts all have access points meant for HVAC companies to perform proper HVAC maintenance—like when ducts become clogged, dirty, or need repairs.
Unfortunately, HVAC technicians aren’t the only ones who can gain access to your ductwork. Rodents and other animals can easily enter your ductwork through access points and often nest within the ducts. Luckily, there are a few ways to notice the presence of rodents in your HVAC unit before it’s too late.
How Do I Assess A Rodent Infestation?
One of the most common indicators of rodents in your unit is a decrease in system efficiency. More specifically, if the unit has received proper HVAC maintenance and no apparent malfunctions or damage appears, the issue is most likely a rodent infestation in your ductwork.
To determine whether or not rodents are nesting in your ducts, have your ductwork checked by a professional HVAC company or check it yourself. Firstly, you may notice a significant amount of clutter around the ducting. This clutter may include feces, chewed-up materials, or mold. In some cases, you’ll see a foul odor emitting from your ducts. These are all common signs of an infestation.
Once you have recognized the presence of rodents in your ductwork, the issue may be too far gone. Rodents rely on the insulation of your basement, attic, or crawl space to make comfortable nests in the ducting. This often means that your ductwork will have holes that require HVAC maintenance.
How Do I Resolve a Rodent Infestation?
You will need to take immediate action to prevent further damage to your HVAC unit, as well as rodent multiplication. The first and most important step any homeowner can take is finding how and where the rodents are getting into your ductwork and putting safeguards/traps in place to ensure they cannot enter.
It’s also important to patch any holes or openings in your attic, basement, or crawl space. These areas commonly house ductwork and serve as perfect homes for rodents. It will be necessary to trap, release or kill any existing rodents. It’s best to avoid direct contact, so leaving out traps or relying on an exterminator is your safest bet.
After resolving the infestation, it will be necessary to inspect your HVAC unit and determine if it needs any repairs (it most often will). Rodents can chew wiring and even dislodge vital mechanical components as they occupy a unit. The necessary repairs are best left to an experienced HVAC company near you.
Finding the Right HVAC Company
If you’re a resident of Southern California, consider contacting the expert technicians of Home Comfort USA. We’re a company on a mission to provide relief and comfort to as many homeowners in Orange and Los Angeles Counties as possible. Contact us today and let one of our specialists know how they may be of assistance! The right HVAC company will have the experience, licenses, insurance and take all of your needs seriously.
