As the weather cools, mice and other rodents look for warm places to nest. The warmth and shelter given by your outdoor condenser can seem particularly enticing. The best way to protect your condenser from rodents is to keep them from coming anywhere nearby. Clear any vegetation and debris from the condenser, making this a less inviting place for rodents to winter. You can use a pet repellant around the unit, which applies a scent that animals find unappealing and are naturally put off by.
A homeowner in Milford had experienced damage to her air conditioning condenser last winter from mice. Looking to avoid the problem this year, she contacted Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. for suggestions.
Rodents and Other Pests Can Cause Serious Damage to External Condensers
Small animals nesting in an external condenser can cause big problems. From chewed wires to animal excrement and debris clogging up the unit, it is best to be proactive to deter mice and other pests from making this their winter home. These small animals can cause big problems in the spring when you go to turn on your air conditioning, resulting in costly repair bills. The odor from their droppings can also affect the indoor air quality of the home.
Protecting Your Condenser from Pests
These small animals are drawn to areas thick with vegetation and the scent of other animals. Clearing away plants and debris, while washing the unit with soap and warm water to remove any animal smells, can go a long way to acting as a natural deterrent.
It is never a good idea to place pesticides in the vicinity, as the animals may die in the condenser causing additional problems when you turn the air conditioning on in the spring and summer. The pesticides themselves can also affect your air quality indoors. Instead, opt for a natural pest deterrent. Non-poisonous, these products work through a scent that animals find undesirable.
The homeowner in Milford has cleared the debris from the condenser and has applied a natural pet repellant. With this extra step, she should make it through the winter without damage to her HVAC unit.
