Bug-Proof Your Air Conditioner
The hot Georgia summers are rife with creepy crawlies emerging from the ground and the hot air, seeking a cool place to live. Insects and pests are constantly looking for a comfortable shelter and sources of nutrition and water. One common system that creates a pathway for such vermin to enter your home from the outside is your air conditioning system.
Bugs are attracted to the outdoor unit of a split system air conditioner because they can shelter within the grille in relatively cooler temperatures. Further inside the system, they can get attracted to the condensation on the indoor unit’s evaporator coil as they seek water. The coolness of the refrigerant and the interior also act as an allure, so they move further inside and emerge from the vents into your living space.
There are a few ways you can prevent bugs from entering your home through the air conditioning unit.
Sealing Cracks
If you see any cracks in the ground around the outdoor unit, you can seal them with caulk or cement. Insects can crawl through these spaces to gain access to ductwork.
Clearing the Immediate Area
Bugs thrive in dense vegetation. If the outdoor unit is surrounded by thick foliage, you will have a large population of insects waiting to crawl in through the unit. Clearing these plants, weeds, and grass up to around 3 feet around the unit can take care of this problem at the source. Wet leaves in nearby gutters should also be cleaned out.
Installing Insect Screens
The last line of defense against bugs entering through the air conditioner is protecting the vents. You can fix insect screens on these openings, whether they are indoor or outdoor vents, and stop insects in their tracks.
Performing Regular Maintenance
Leaky hoses within the unit can attract insects seeking water. Moisture in the ductwork and evaporator drip pans that have not drained also cause the same problem. Regular inspection and maintenance of your air conditioning system will help prevent an inviting environment for pests.
At Oconee Climate Control, we have provided heating, cooling, and commercial refrigeration services in Eatonton, GA, for over 20 years. We will perform AC maintenance and clean and fix your AC unit so that it is ship-shape. Call Oconee Climate Control today to schedule your appointment.
