Pets & Pests: How Animals Can Damage Your HVAC System

Your air conditioner or heat pump was built to withstand the natural elements outside, such as hail, sleet, snow, ice, etc. However, if you have pets or notice any pests like mice, squirrels, chipmunks, or birds hanging around your outdoor unit, they could cause harm to your residential heating and cooling system.

The good news is that HVAC equipment is built to withstand natural elements and tested to ensure it performs well for several years in various weather conditions.

The bad news is that your system cannot withstand foreign elements, such as dog urine, pet hair, chewed electrical cords, or any other objects that could block airflow.

While some of these animals can be considered loveable pets, some are just pests.

Nevertheless, no matter the size or scope of the problem, it can quickly become detrimental to your system. Some common issues will result in minor repair or maintenance costs; others can result in major repairs or investing in a brand-new HVAC system.

At Fire & Ice, we know many homeowners consider their pets part of the family, and just like every other family member, they deserve to breathe better. This article will cover how your pets affect your HVAC performance, the consequences of an exposed outdoor unit, HVAC tips for pet owners, common pests, and how to keep those pesky pests out for good!

Do Pets Affect Your HVAC's Performance?

While our pets are valued members of our families; however, they can also be the cause of an underperforming HVAC system.

A list of common indoor impurities includes, but is not limited to:

Pet hair
Pet dander
Dust
Dirt
Debris

Pet Hair, Allergens & Your HVAC System

One of the main ways that pets can affect your residential HVAC system is through the filter. Your HVAC system’s filter is meant to be changed or checked at least once a month (depending on your air filter type).

When pet hair, dander, dust, and dirt get picked up through your heating and cooling system, it goes through your ductwork, eventually reaching the filter, which catches and traps it on the filter.

However, if you have a dirty filter, it cannot collect the impurities, thus sending them back into your home's air cycle, which will also affect your home's indoor air quality (IAQ). On top of that, if you have family members who have allergies, then if the air in your home isn't properly filtered, these impurities can cause allergic reactions.

Not to mention, a dirty air filter will decrease the overall energy efficiency of your system and cause your energy bills to increase.

Consequences Of An Exposed Outdoor AC Unit

Another way pets (mainly dogs) can affect your HVAC system is through a heat pump or the air conditioning unit. If you have an exposed outdoor unit, chances are your dog has peed on it at some point.

Dogs are known to mark their territory on things by peeing on them. While we love that they are trying to protect us, dog urine damages outdoor HVAC units. In fact, dog urine is very acidic and corrosive, which can cause significant damage to your heat pump or air conditioning unit.

Believe it or not, there are two main components to your air conditioning system that are greatly impacted by dog urine: the copper coil and aluminum fins. The copper coil contains the refrigerant that moves heat from inside your home to the outdoors.

It's important to note here that if your dog pees on the copper coil, it can quickly corrode and lead to a bigger problem: a freon leak.

HVAC Tips for Pet Owners

Now that we’ve gone over how pets can affect your HVAC system, we also want to equip you with ways to prevent or lessen your pet's overall strain on your residential home comfort system. Some HVAC maintenance tasks you can complete on your own are:

Frequently Change Your Filters

No matter what type of fur (unless it’s a hairless cat) your beloved pet has, they are prone to shedding hair and dander and bringing outdoor elements inside. You can do one (or several) of these HVAC tasks to solve this problem.

Replace your HVAC filter monthly, regardless of how dirty it is
Use a washable and reusable filter
Consider using a high-grade filter, like a HEPA filter
Invest in an air purification system or an air duct cleaning service

In addition to our air duct cleaning, we also provide dryer vent cleaning services for an additional cost. Additional services include a bathroom vent, gas hot water tank vent cleaning, and a whole-home botanical or sporicidal disinfectant.

If you're concerned about maintaining your HVAC system yourself, you can invest in one of our maintenance agreements. Our maintenance agreements guarantee two annual tune-ups, including changing your filter if needed.

While this isn’t every month, it will ensure your filter is changed at least twice yearly, which is better than not at all.

Regularly Clean & Vacuum Your Home

As a homeowner, I know that this seems easier said than done, especially if you have kids; however, a simple vacuum run or sweeping the floors can do wonders for your HVAC system.

Think about it: the pet hair, dander, and other impurities you pick up by cleaning won't run through your HVAC system. Which, in turn, will keep your filter clean longer and reduce allergy triggers.

A clean filter will improve indoor air quality and savings on monthly utility bills. It can even increase the lifespan of your ac system and heat pump.

Create A Barrier Around Your AC unit or Heat Pump

As mentioned earlier, dogs are known to mark their territory. Since dog pee is acidic, protecting your HVAC system is vital. Investing in a barrier around your units is the best way to keep your A/C unit or heat pump clean.

Homeowners can create a barrier around their HVAC system by planting bushes or building a fence around their unit. It's important to note that if you decide to make a barrier around your system, you have at least two feet of clearance on every side.

Creating a barrier around your system will ensure proper airflow, as well as keeping dirt, leaves, sticks, and other debris out of your system.

HVAC Pest Control

Did you know that inside your HVAC system is one of the best places for pests and other small animals to hide? In fact, our outdoor HVAC units create an enclosed, safe place for common pests to seek shelter. Some most unwanted pests include:

Rats/Mice: Since these types of rodents like to crawl into tight spaces, they are the most common pests you'll find lurking in or around your outdoor HVAC unit.

An infestation of Rats/Mice can be detrimental to your system since they are known to chew on refrigerant lines, electrical wires, ducting material, and anything else they can gnaw on. An infestation of Rats/Mice could require an expensive repair or even a new HVAC system.

Raccoons/Squirrels: These creatures are known to chew straight through ductwork and air vents; if one of these animals puts holes in your ductwork, it can increase your monthly electric bills and shorten the lifespan of your system.
Insects (especially Spiders): Insects and other critters are everywhere outside; however, if you notice an abundance of spiders lurking around your outdoor HVAC unit, you may have a problem with humidity.

Spiders (and other insects) like cold, dark, and damp places to live, making your HVAC system the perfect breeding ground for all insects. If you're concerned about your home's humidity, you can invest in a whole-home dehumidifier.

Investing in a whole-home dehumidifier can eliminate moisture in your home and those pesky pests along the way.

Snakes: Since snakes are cold-blooded animals that cannot regulate their body temperatures, they are drawn to the heat generated by your outdoor condenser unit. On top of that, long grass and unmaintained yards are welcoming for snakes, so keep your yard maintained and snakes out!
Birds: Unfortunately, birds don’t always pick the best places to build their nests. Sometimes they build into the exhaust pipe of your heating system. Dwelling birds around/in your outside HVAC units can peck and remove the insulation that covers your line set.

Airex FlexGuard Line Set Protectors

In late 2020, Fire & Ice became the first and only Airex-certified dealer in the United States. Airex Manufacturing developed a line set protection product that solved a host of age-old HVAC problems, such as:

Weather (rain , snow, sleet, hail, and ice)
Animals (dogs, mice, rats, birds, snakes. etc.)
Lawn Care (weed eaters and lawn mowers)

The Airex FelxGuard Line Set Protector is a sealed wall cap that attaches to the side of the house. sits flush against the exterior of the house, which removes the possibility of leaks, holes, or gaps where the line set enters the home.

We have invested in the Airex FlexGuard Set Protector because we believe it gives customers peace of mind. Plus, it turns your outdoor HVAC unit into less of an eyesore, and it looks much nicer than having your line set out in the open.

At Fire & Ice, we install one of these with every new heat pump or air conditioner installation, and we believe it’s the best solution to keeping your line set out of sight and out of mind. On top of that, it's the right thing to do for our customers.

Your exhaust pipe’s job is to direct deadly gasses, such as carbon monoxide, out of your home. If it’s blocked, the gas can’t get out. Thus, returning to your home creates a serious health hazard for residents.

A visual inspection from one of our knowledgeable and friendly technicians can confirm this at your next tune-up or appointment. You can also use a carbon monoxide detector if you suspect any damage.

How Do I Know If I Have A Pest Infestation?

The easiest way to determine if your HVAC system has a pest problem is by scheduling a service call; however, you can look for signs of a pest infestation. Signs of a pest infestation include but are not limited to:

Chewed wires Scratches inside your vents
Animal droppings
Nesting materials (sticks, mulch, feathers, grass, etc.)

If you notice any of these signs in or around your AC or heat pump, it’s best to call the HVAC professionals for assistance. Be aware that HVAC technicians are not exterminators. Because of this, some HVAC companies may suggest working with an exterminator before working on your system.

How To Keep Pests Out of Your HVAC Unit

There are various methods to prevent pests from claiming your HVAC unit as their home. Preventing pests from making their way into your HVAC unit will save homeowners time, money, and several headaches.

Some common tactics for keeping pests out of your home comfort system involve:

Scheduling routine/ regular maintenance
Using a padded line cover
Sealing all gaps or cracks
Cleaning your outdoor unit
Frequently upkeeping your yard
Invest in a vent cover
Remove any water build-up

Next Steps

You can pet-proof/rodent-proof most of your HVAC yourself, provided you know what you’re looking for; however, we still suggest consulting your trusted HVAC contractor before making any moves.

We hope we’ve given you some clues about those strange noises you might be hearing in your ducts and how to keep your beloved from costing you a fortune on a heat pump or ac repair.

If you’re ready to start your HVAC journey with Fire & Ice, click below to schedule a service call or an estimate. We look forward to helping you and your loved ones live in a more comfortable home.

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