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How Can I Protect My Home’s Outdoor AC Unit from Pests?

It's an unfortunate fact, but many pests view your AC unit as the perfect place to make their home. From wasps and rodents to tiny insects like ants and spiders, pests can and will infiltrate your air conditioning unit if given the chance. Not only can the presence of these pests affect your unit's functionality, but it can also pose health risks to your family.

Luckily, with a few precautions and maintenance measures, you can protect your home's outdoor AC unit from pests. In this post, we'll explore some tips and tricks to keep your AC unit pest-free.

Tips for Protecting Your Home’s Outdoor AC Unit from Pests

Whether you’re dealing with pest problems involving your home’s outdoor AC unit or you just want to be proactive in protecting your air conditioning unit from pests, pest management is part of properly maintaining your home’s AC system. The following are tips to help homeowners protect their home’s outdoor AC unit from pests:

  • Keep the area around your AC unit clean: One of the easiest ways to prevent pests from invading your AC unit is to keep the area around it clean and tidy. This means removing any debris, branches, leaves, or other materials from around the unit, as they can attract pests. Regularly sweeping the area around the unit can also remove any food sources that pests could be attracted to.
  • Seal any openings around the unit: Pests can enter your home through the smallest of openings, so it's vital to seal any gaps or cracks around your outdoor AC unit. This includes any gaps in the exterior wall where the unit is installed, as well as the gaps in the unit itself, such as around the piping or electrical wiring. Using silicone caulk to seal these openings is a quick and affordable solution.
  • Invest in a protective cover: An AC cover is a great investment to protect your unit from pests, particularly during the off-season when it's not in use. Covers can also shield your unit from weather damage and debris, and some are even designed to deter pests with added protection. Just be sure to remove the cover before switching your unit back on.
  • Use pest deterrents: There are many products available to help deter pests from your outdoor AC unit. One of the most effective ways to keep pests away is by using natural remedies, such as peppermint oil, vinegar, or cedar chips, that are known to work as natural repellents. Alternatively, you can use insecticides that are designed to kill or repel pests.
  • Schedule regular maintenance checks: Regular maintenance checks by a licensed HVAC technician can help detect and prevent pest infestations in your outdoor AC unit. They can also clear any debris or foliage that may be blocking the unit's air intake, which could cause the unit to malfunction.

Keeping your home's outdoor air conditioning unit pest-free is essential to keeping your AC system in good condition, your family healthy, and your wallet happy. A little prevention goes a long way in avoiding costly AC repairs or even a complete replacement of your unit. Use these tips and tricks to maintain a clean and protected space around your outdoor air conditioning unit and keep those pesky pests at bay.

Having AC problems? Give Meyer’s a call at (219) 240-0610 or reach out to us online today. For more information about Meyer’s, read our customers’ reviews.

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