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any homeowners can appreciate the serenity that nature brings – birds chirping, a soothing breeze, butterflies fluttering around, and … mice nesting inside your HVAC equipment? There’s nothing calming about critters making themselves at home inside your home, but who can blame them? We’re not the only creatures that enjoy a nice warm place to settle during a cold winter! That’s why it’s important that you regularly inspect your equipment – especially the equipment that sits outside of your home – to help prevent Mother Nature from interfering with the comforts of home.
A few key things to look out for –
• Trees that overhang your outdoor condenser can drop leaves, sticks, acorns and other debris into the equipment. Cleaning it out can protect the integrity of your system – but be sure to shut the power off to the unit before attempting to do so!
• The ventilation system that removes exhaust from your home can provide a warm place for rodents to build their nests, which can result in poor ventilation and electrical issues as these critters can chew on wires. Using a flashlight, you should inspect any exterior vent for signs of nesting.
• Chimneys sometimes provide birds with a safe place to call home, and leaves and sticks can also fall into them and cause blockages. The lack of airflow can, once again, cause exhaust ventilation issues that can lead to health problems.
• Strong winds, rocks and sticks can impact your outdoor condenser and bend its fins. This can restrict vital airflow and decrease the efficiency of the entire system.
By regularly checking out your HVAC system, especially where it comes into contact with the natural elements outside of your home, you’ll be able to better avoid issues from arising down the line. If you are in need of repairs, don’t hesitate to give us a call! Our expert technicians have seen it all, and are always prepared to protect your HVAC system from nature’s fury.