Homeowner In Brookline, NH Seeks Suggestions
An outdoor HVAC condenser is a prime location for small animals, including mice, chipmunks and squirrels, to make a home for the winter. This can cause a lot of damage from chewing parts of the unit, bringing in debris, and the corrosive urine and feces from these animals. Keeping the landscape around the unit clear can help to deter this nesting. You can also construct a barrier in the form of a wall or fence to keep them out. Last winter a homeowner in Brookline experienced damage to his outdoor condenser as a result of mice. Looking to prevent the problem this winter, he contacted Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. for suggestions.
Clear the Area Around the Outdoor Unit
Keeping debris such as leaves, branches and weeds cleared a distance away from the outdoor unit can make this area less enticing for small animals looking to make a nest for the winter. Creating a clearing around the outdoor condenser can also make these critters less likely to travel in the open to get to the unit, for fear of predators.
Build a Barrier Around the HVAC Condenser
Animal urine, from your household dog or cat to wild animals, can cause significant damage to the condenser unit. By creating a barrier around the system, you can prevent these animals from getting too close. Keep in mind that the condenser will need enough room between it and this barrier so as not to restrict airflow. You should leave a minimum of 24 inches of clearance around the entire unit. It is also a good idea to leave an area open so that a technician can get to the condenser when it is in need of service of annual maintenance.
The homeowner in Brookline has taken the advice of the team at Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc., clearing the area around the condenser and creating a fence barrier around the unit. Exercising this diligence as we head into the winter months will protect his outdoor condenser from damage, preventing any costly repair bills next spring.
