It’s spring, and you know what that means: baseball season, picnic season, and bug season. That last one can be pretty irritating, especially when the bugs get into your HVAC system. Here’s why it’s so important to keep them out of there, as well as some tips for bug prevention.
The Dangers of HVAC Bugs
An infestation of insects or spiders is problematic anywhere in your home. But if they get into your HVAC system, it’s especially bad. To a bug, your HVAC is basically a giant superhighway, with connections to your entire house, via the ductwork. So essentially, bugs in your HVAC system mean bugs everywhere.
Some bugs are harmless. Others, such as dust mites, are allergens and can trigger asthma as well. And some, like cockroaches, even carry diseases, which can spread that much more quickly with the help of your system’s airflow.
Bug Removal and Prevention
If you suspect you may have bugs in your ductwork, call an HVAC professional immediately to give it a thorough cleaning. Then, once the bug removal is complete, here are a few precautions you can take to keep bugs out in the future.
- Seal any leaks. The smallest hole, tear, or opening is enough for certain insects to gain entry. Inspect your ductwork thoroughly and seal any leaks with metal tape or mastic sealant. Also take the opportunity to find and seal any other leaks in your home, such as cracks in walls, spaces behind light switches, and gaps around windows and doors.
- Trim the yard. Bugs are especially prevalent in places such as tall grass, bushes, and foliage. To keep them at bay, keep the area around your outdoor A/C neatly trimmed for about two square feet all around the unit, to allow for proper air circulation.
- Install screens. If you put mesh screens over all of your outdoor vents, you can deny insects and other vermin access to your home, while still maintaining proper airflow.
For more tips on bug removal and other HVAC issues, contact us at CCAC today. We proudly serve Corpus Christi’s heating and cooling needs.