In these cold winter months, your heater is likely working overtime. Unfortunately, heating ducts can be an ideal place for wild animals to hunker down for the cold season. This article will explore the ways that wildlife can break into your ducts, and the type of damage they can cause.
Denning in the Ducts
Rats, mice, raccoons, and more can find their way into your ductwork, one way or the other. What’s worse, they may even set up camp. When an animal dens in your ductwork, your heating system can transport smells and waste products through your home. Scat, urine, fur, and more can blow through your ducts and out into the rest of the home. Your air filters can only stop so much.
While nesting in your HVAC ducts can be a problem, a dead animal can be worse. It is not uncommon for animals to seek shelter in which to pass away. A dead animal in your ducts can bring the stench of death and decay along with the above issues.
Chewing through Ductwork
Some animals, like mice and rats, can gnaw their way through ducts, or their sealants. Generally, this can create gaps for air to flow out. This affects the efficiency of the system, wasting money and energy. The animals may also try gnawing through wiring found in the wall beyond the ducts. This can create fire hazards and other potential issues for the home. Overall, pests in the ducts can lead to costly repairs and dangerous situations for your home.
Animals in Your Outdoor Units
Most central air systems have an outdoor unit on the ground or roof. From this unit, air is pulled into the home to begin circulation. Snakes, birds, and rodents can use this unit as a potential den. Birds are particularly prone to building nests on top of these machines, while other animals may find a way inside the unit. Denning animals can damage fan blades, bring debris into your unit, and more. Wild animals could damage evaporators, heating coils, or refrigerant systems within the unit, which could have severe consequences for the life of your central air system.