Too Hot? Late Summer Air Conditioning Issues
Let’s face it – many of us enjoy summer and wouldn’t want anything to ruin this special season. However, summers tend to get a bit warmer than we remember. It’s funny how every year, we’re amazed by how hot 90° feels. As a result, we tend to power up our air conditioners to keep ourselves comfy. For that reason, now’s the time when late summer air conditioning issues develop.
These sophisticated systems tend to overheat or develop issues such as motor wear, lack of air flow, faulty capacitors, and many more. Although it might be hard for you to spot a problem with your conditioner, an experienced technician will be able to.
4 Common Late Summer Air Conditioning Issues
Keep reading to discover what to watch out for as the temperature spikes and air conditioners get more worn out.
1. Faulty Capacitors
In air conditioners, capacitors are used to start the mortars in the blowers, fan, and compressors. The main cause of faulty capacitors is overwork. If you leave your air conditioner on all the time, there’s a high chance that your capacitors will fail.
What’s more, you also need to remember that faulty or overheated capacitors can cause major issues within your unit. That can also lead to the breakdown of the whole unit. So, how do you know they’re faulty? If you hear a clicking or humming noise coming from your air conditioning unit, consider checking on your capacitors.
2. Insufficient Airflow
If you realize that the temperatures are about 80 degree and your air conditioning is at 70, but you can’t feel the difference, there is a high chance that your unit might be clogged. The best way to conduct repairs is to clean out debris or replace filters. It is one of the best options to comfortably unclog your air conditioner without calling a technician.
3. Motor Wear
Of course, air conditioners use motors to spin their fans. And the fans are essential. They pull air into the machine to be cooled, and send it throughout your house. If you notice that your fan has stopped spinning or there is a squeaking noise coming from the motor, motor wear may be the culprit. Like the majority of air conditioning problems, your best solution is to call an expert to have it fixed. Also, make sure to stop running your motor until it is fixed. If you don’t, you might worsen the problem.
4. Low Refrigerant
This is one of the most common late summer air conditioning issues. If your system doesn’t have enough refrigerant, it won’t cool properly. Maintaining a vacuum is essential when replacing the refrigerant, so have a professional do it.
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Your air conditioner is prone to certain late summer air conditioning issues, especially if you have been using it the whole summer. However, if you are able to identify the problem early on, you can have the right tech perform repairs. Then, continue enjoying your summer. For help making the end of summer cool and comfortable, call Neal’s Heating & Air at (706) 764-7185.
How to Lower Indoor Humidity for Cool Comfort
Humidity in your home can make you very uncomfortable—especially hot summer weather. What’s more, persistent damp can cause health hazards in some cases. A high level of moisture in the air can promote mold growth. To stay comfortable and healthy, you need to know how to lower indoor humidity for cool comfort during summer. How do you reach that ideal indoor humidity range of 30–50 percent?
How to Lower Indoor Humidity During Summer: 5 Simple Methods
1. Ventilate Everywhere
Proper ventilation can help lower humidity. Turn off the air conditioner and open your windows during the cool hours of the day. This will let fresh air circulate through the house. A nice breeze can help bring down latent humidity.
Also, long, hot showers are luxurious—but they produce a huge amount of humidity. Always use the ventilation fan in the bathroom. In addition, open the bathroom window (if practical) to lower the temperature.
In the kitchen, you can also use a fan over the stove. It can help bring down the amount of heat produced during cooking.
Finally, keep your ceiling fans running. Any way you can increase air circulation in the house is one of the best ways how to lower indoor humidity.
2. Use a Dehumidifier
Running a dehumidifier is an excellent way to lower humidity. And, because it’s easier to cool less humid air, this excellent indoor climate control machine can also reduce your AC costs in the long run. A system-wide dehumidifier fits in your air furnace handler. There, it removes moisture as the air passes through. By the time you feel the air, it’s cold and dry—an excellent feeling for summer comfort. And that’s not the only benefit. By using a dehumidifier, you may even reduce the amount of time your AC unit needs to run. And that will save wear and tear, causing you to need fewer air conditioner repairs.
3. Keep All Surfaces Dry
One of the simplest ways to reduce humidity (that few people think of) is to keep all surfaces dry. Wipe down your sink and counter area after washing your dishes. Use a squeegee to take water off your shower walls when you’re done. Also, dry out your sink after you finish brushing your teeth. If the water is left to evaporate, it goes straight into your home’s air. And, as we discussed, moist air can lead to mold formation.
4. Turn the Air Conditioner On
Remember #1 and how we recommended that you open the windows? Well, anyone who knows how to lower indoor humidity knows this: once the air warms up, turn on the AC right away. You should also run it overnight. By doing so, you’ll let the system start removing humidity. As warm air exits and is replaced by cooler air, your home’s humidity will naturally drop. Make sure you change the filter regularly for the best air flow!
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Now you know how to lower indoor humidity for comfort this summer. It’s time to put those tips into action! At Neal’s Heating & Air, we want you stay cool—and we’re ready to help. If you notice a drop off in performance, don’t hesitate. Simply give us a call at (706) 764-7185 and we’ll help restore you to cool comfort.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air?
Have you ever found yourself wondering, “why is my air conditioner blowing warm air?” After all, a fully functional air conditioner is a must-have for every home in and around Chattanooga. Generally, air conditioners play a significant role in circulating and filtering the air we breathe in. Just a few other benefits of good air conditioning systems include preventing heat-related illness, filtering allergens out of the air, and preventing electronic devices from overheating.
On the other hand, having a faulty AC unit can be quite frustrating. Especially with summer just around the corner. Temperatures are usually unbearable during this season and you need comfortable, cool air more than ever. An air conditioner that blows warm air can give you sleepless nights unless you take immediate action.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air?
Well, your air conditioner can start blowing warm air due to various reasons. Let’s look at a few of them.
1. Clogged Filter
When your air conditioner has a good filter, contaminants such as dust and pet hair are filtered out of the air. When the filter becomes clogged by foreign substances, it prevents air from flowing through the system effectively. Your air conditioner may start blowing warm air if not enough air is passing over the condenser coils.
2. Thermostat Problems
The first thing that you should consider doing when your AC system starts blowing warm air is to check the thermostat. From time to time, thermostat components may break. Or, you may have changed the temperature accidentally. Is the thermostat set at the correct temperature and the air is still warm? Just call a professional to diagnose and repair the problem for you.
3. Disconnected or Damaged Wiring
If the wiring isn’t connected properly, your air conditioner will have a hard time functioning as it should. Whether the wires are damaged or simply disconnected, they need repair. Check for exposed or damaged wires. If you spot any, call a professional.
4. Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the substance that turns warm air into comfortable cool air. If it’s low, whether from a leak or otherwise, you’ll experience warm air coming from your vents. Your AC repairman will let you know if this is the problem.
Other Common Causes of AC Blowing Warm Air Include:
- Tripped condenser breakers
- Blocked return vent opening
- Blocked/dirty condenser coils
- Power loss to the system’s outdoor unit
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Is your air conditioner blowing warm air? Call Neal’s Heating and Air for professional diagnosis and repair.
Why Do You Need to Change Your Air Filter?
An often-overlooked component of HVAC systems, the air filter is crucial to the operation of your heating and cooling system. If you want the system to remain in excellent working order, you should check and change the filter regularly. So, why do you need to change your air filter? Well, one reason is health. If your air filter isn’t working properly, your lungs are probably serving as the air filters. And we all know the potential outcome of that – your family may suffer from respiratory complications.
Including respiratory health, here are 4 reasons you need to change your HVAC air filters.
Why Do You Need to Change Your Air Filter?
1. Create Clean Air
Replacing the air filter of your home’s HVAC system ensures the air remains clean, fresh, and healthy. This is good for all the people in the home, and particularly kids and the elderly or those suffering from asthma and allergies. Changing the air filters means the HVAC system doesn’t constantly circulate pollen, dust, and other tiny particles in the air. As a bonus, cleaner air means less dusty surfaces.
2. Save Money
Changing air filters saves on operational costs. A dirty filter clogged with debris makes your system expend more energy compared to a new, clean one. You’ll need to pay a higher electricity bill if you continue using a clogged air filter. You can also save money if you …
3. Prevent Damage to the HVAC System
Having a clogged air filter could lead to extensive, preventable damage to your heating and cooling system. If you check the condition of the air filter and replace it when needed, it helps the system function more efficiently for a longer lifespan. The harder it has to work to pull air through the filter, the more wear and tear builds up.
4. Protect the Environment
If you fail to check and change the air filter regularly, it can lead to environmental problems. A dirty air filter means a straining HVAC system, something that uses more energy. That can lead to increased emission of carbon monoxide or greenhouse gases. A simple thing like changing an air filter when it’s necessary can go a long way toward reducing your carbon footprint.
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Basically, you should change the air filter every 1 to 3 months depending on how heavily you are using the HVAC system and how quickly the filters are being clogged. This way, the filter – and the entire HVAC system – functions properly and efficiently.
What Is A Ductless Mini-Split System
As a homeowner, you need to find the best heating and cooling system for your home to make it more comfortable. You may be wondering, “what is a ductless mini-split system?” It’s one of the most popular HVAC system types on the market today, but many homeowners have yet to leverage the benefits it offers.
If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, keep reading. You’ll get more insight into the incredible ductless mini-split systems. And then you can make an informed choice. This guide explores this type of heating and cooling system.
What is a Ductless Mini-Split System? Overview
Each mini split features two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor air-handling unit. To connect the two main sections, there is a conduit containing a power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and condensation drainage.
How It Works
To cool your home, the unit in each room blows your home’s warm air over cold evaporator coils. The coils contain refrigerant, which draws heat from the air. Then, the outside unit expels the heat into the surrounding air. It is a simple and effective way of cooling and heating your home.
These systems work perfectly in a situation where a window AC unit or baseboard heater can work. But the mini-split has an advantage: it requires minimal drilling in the wall.
You can have multiple indoor air-handling units connected to the outdoor unit to heat and cool the entire house. These systems not only work well for new homes, but are perfect for retrofits and remodels.
Pros of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
- Easy installation compared to traditional HVAC systems with minimal drilling
- Multi-purpose function of cooling and heating
- Built-in zoning allowing you to control the temperature of each room in your home
- Energy efficiency due to zero leakage through ductwork, unlike central HVAC systems
- Ideal for home remodels due to easy installation
- Remote control and customization options
- Longer lifespan in general
- Cost savings and other financial benefits, including tax credits, rebates, and other incentives for heat pump upgrades
Cons of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems carry higher upfront cost than ducted HVAC systems. In addition, you need professional installation services. They can also affect the aesthetic appeal of your indoor space, since you have units in every room. However, you have the option to upgrade the units to the version that is recessed in the ceiling.
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Go ahead – redefine your living space with a ductless mini-split system. Call a professional HVAC professional from Neal’s Heating and Air at (706) 764-7185 or contact us online today. We’ll help you make your home more comfortable.
Keep Carbon Monoxide From Harming Your Family
How can you keep carbon monoxide from harming your family? It’s a question you need to answer.
When health professionals talk about carbon monoxide (CO), they often refer to it as “the silent killer.” People go to sleep at night, and never realize that a deadly gas is in the air. However, even small doses of CO can cause sickness. For many people, CO-related symptoms are mistaken for other kinds of sickness because they’re so similar.
Because this toxic gas is odorless, tasteless, colorless, and non-irritating, you need to be intentional about detection.
At this point, most homeowners would be tempted to just get a CO monitor, install it, and pat themselves on the back for a job well done. Don’t make that mistake. You do need one. But you should also take additional steps to safeguard your health.
How to Keep Carbon Monoxide From Harming Your Family
Keep reading. We’re going to discuss 3 steps you can take to keep carbon monoxide from harming your family.
1. Get a High-Sensitivity CO Detector
Carbon monoxide is fast-acting even at low levels. In fact, your heart, lungs, and brain experience permanent harm when you’re exposed to low amounts of CO over an extended time.
However, that’s not the worst part. What many people don’t know is that residential CO monitors wait to sound the alarm until CO has already reached unsafe levels. At that point, who knows how long CO levels have been elevated? Your health may already have been harmed. In story after story of people who survived carbon monoxide poisoning, they were exposed for a long period to “non-deadly” amounts. And some experienced lasting effects.
We’re not writing all this as a scare tactic. If you burn fossil fuels in your home or have an attached garage, CO poisoning is a real health risk.
Here’s a helpful chart of when to expect an off-the-shelf CO alarm to sound:
- 40 PPM – alarm goes off after 10 hours
- 50 PPM – alarm goes off after 8 hours
- 70 PPM – alarm goes off after 1-4 hours
- 150 PPM – alarm goes off after 10-50 minutes
- 400 PPM – alarm goes off after 4-15 minutes
But what if you have long-term exposure at 35 PPM? Your alarm may never sound. And you’ll have to deal with possible symptoms like headache, difficulty thinking, cardiovascular trouble, and others. Over a long period of time, your attention span may shrink, and your health may be permanently compromised.
Install highly-sensitive carbon monoxide monitors. They sound an alarm at levels as low as 12 PPM.
Put them near sleeping areas, in the kitchen, near fireplaces, and in your utility room. They should be located near the ceiling because CO is lighter than air.
2. Get a Professional Installer
Sometimes gas appliances break – and need replacement. When the installers are putting your shiny new appliance in, don’t just trust them! Before they touch a thing, ask to look at their permit. And be prepared to deny installation if they’re not properly certified. Your safety depends on proper combustion and venting.
3. Get Professional Appliance Testing
Efficient gas appliances keep carbon monoxide out of your air. But how do you know if they’re efficient? You have a technician test them with a combustion analyzer.
A good combustion analyzer tests your gas appliance’s performance in these 3 areas:
- Efficiency
- Ventilation
- Fuel-air mixture
Your heat pump or furnace, water heater, fireplace, stove, and any other gas-fueled appliance should all be tested a minimum of once per year, but ideally twice – right before the temperature change in spring and fall. In addition, have your wood-burning fireplace tested at the same time.
Don’t simply trust that your gas appliances are safe. Find out for sure.
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Interested in protecting your family with a professional-grade CO detector?
We’ll be glad to install one for you! Give Neal’s a call today at (706) 764-7185 or fill out our contact form for more information.
What Size Heating and Air System Do I Need?
When you ask, “what size heating and air system do I need,” you’re asking an important question. And, when replacing an old system, the answer matters. Your choice will make a difference in your quality of life.
We’re here to inform your decision. In this article, we’ll look at 4 key factors that affect what size heating and air system you need for your home.
What Size Heating and Air System Do I Need? 4 Key Factors
Keep reading! You’ll learn about the factors that determine what size heating and air system your home needs. One thing is certain – your home isn’t just like anyone else’s (spoiler: that’s factor #2).
1. The SEER Rating Reveals More Than Savings
Energy-efficiency: the Holy Grail of home improvement. You can get energy-efficient windows, appliances, and electronics. In fact, you can even get an energy-efficient massage chair. Likewise, the same goes for your heating and air system. And the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) indicates just how energy-efficient a home comfort system is. Here’s how:
Systems are rated according to tons of capacity. 1 ton of heating or cooling per hour comes out to 12,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
For a 2-ton unit, it’s simple multiplication. 12,000 x 2 = 24,000 BTUs.
However, 2 systems that are each 2 tons aren’t necessarily the same efficiency. This is where the SEER rating comes in. For the best efficiency, get the unit with the highest SEER rating your budget has room for. Higher ratings equal greater energy savings.
As an example, say you’re considering 2 units. One is 14 SEER, and the other is 16 SEER. The 16 SEER system is more efficient than the other. In the real world, that should add up to a lower utility bill during peak seasons.
However, the energy savings alone don’t usually justify the price tag. Most times, homeowners’ long-term savings roughly equal the system’s extra cost.* Why do we recommend higher SEER units, then?
Because of the comfort.
That 16 SEER unit likely has multi-stage technology. In layman’s terms, it runs longer at lower speeds. It’s efficient and delivers comfortable air consistently to all areas of your home. And it takes much less energy to do it than the 14 SEER unit did.
Tip: Make sure to look for an Energy Star-qualified heating and air system. You’ll see a SEER ranging from 15 to 23.
2. Your Home Is Unique
Its physical spaces, walls, and even directional positioning each play a part. All these factors help answer the question, “What size heating and air system do I need?”
- Living space cubic air volume
- Surface area of exterior walls that have prolonged, direct sun exposure
- Number of windows and what condition they’re in
- The build quality of your home
- The age of your home
- The quality of your home’s wall and attic insulation
- How leak-free your home’s existing vents and ductwork are
- Whether your ductwork is properly-sized or not
- How much shade your home receives
Evidently, square footage doesn’t tell the whole story. You can’t just calculate that and choose a properly-sized heating and air system.
Tip: Ask a professional HVAC technician, “What size heating and air system do I need?” He should be able to calculate these factors.
3. Wrong-sized Systems Cost More
What happens when your air conditioner turns on? It cools your home to a certain temperature, then shuts off again. However, if the system is too big for your home, it won’t stay on long enough. It’ll cool super quickly, then turn off. While that sounds like a good thing, it’s not.
When you cool the air too quickly, your walls, floor, and furniture don’t have time to get cool as well. They can keep giving off heat into the air, making the system turn on again – sooner than it should. This could continue all day.
That leads to inefficiency and wear and tear. Your power bill may be unaffected. However, every time the system turns on and off, it wears out a bit more. Repairs – and even replacement – may come sooner than they would if the system was the right size to start with.
However, if your system is too small, it may run longer, waste energy, and wear out a bit sooner from constant use.
Tip: Put insulation on your list of fixes – if your home isn’t well insulated, even a right-sized unit may perform inefficiently and experience more wear and tear.
4. Experience Makes a Difference
Much of your utility bill comes from heating and air costs. Because of that, only work with an experienced, professional, licensed HVAC tech.
You need to be able to trust them. Trust them to stick with ACCA-approved techniques as they figure out what the best heating and cooling unit for your home is. Trust them to only sell you what you need.
Once finished, your cooling system should be energy–efficient. And, above all, it should meet your family’s comfort needs.
Tip: You can rely on Neal’s Heating and Air. We’ll make absolutely sure that the unit we’re recommending is the right one. And once you decide, our reliable, licensed staff will install it the way it should be. Call us at (706) 764-7185 or contact us online today!
*If the home is well-insulated, the ductwork is leak-free and sized correctly, and the system is correctly sized for the home.
How to Fight the Flu With Your Heating System
Flu season is one of the worst times of the year. No one likes colds, but at least you can function. But the flu is a different animal. It’s miserable. And so are you, when you get it. However, you can actually fight the flu with your heating system. It’s true! You can prep your heating system to help keep you healthy.
But how can simple heating help? It’s all about indoor air quality. When you allow mold, dust, and bacteria to flourish, your flu can feel worse and take longer to run its course. The better your air is indoors, the less contagion will spread. And, the faster you’ll be able to recover.
Keep reading to find out how to fight the flu with your heating system.
How to Fight the Flu With Your Heating System: 3 Strategic Steps
After the first step, the rest are in no particular order. Some are upgrades that you may need help with, and some are easy tasks. They can all make a difference.
1. Replace Your Air Filters Monthly
Mark your calendar for this one. Dirty air filters equal dirty air in your lungs.
But do you really need to change it? Won’t vacuuming do the trick? Nope. A clean, new filter is essential. Your filter isn’t just expensive floor origami. It’s a barrier that keeps contaminants out of your indoor air. And, swapping out your air filters every month can make your heating and cooling system last much longer.
But there’s more. If you keep an old, dirty air filter in the vent, it starts to let all those germs and contaminants back into your air – and all around your home. That’s the last thing you want if you’re trying to keep the flu at bay.
To Do: buy an air filter with a high MERV rating. Viruses and bacteria have a harder time spreading when trapped in one of these excellent filters. Give us a call for info about what filter is best for your HVAC system.
2. Raise Your Air Humidity
If you feel like your air is dry, it probably is. You may have cracked skin, bleeding nose, all those lovely cold weather symptoms. But higher humidity isn’t just good for your skin. It also makes for a less hospitable environment for germs and viruses. They thrive in low humidity. But watch out! Crank it too high, and mold will make itself at home.
Any heating system in good condition will help regulate humidity. All you need to do is put it into the air.
To Do: install a system-wide humidifier or use cool air humidifiers to avoid burns and the too-damp feel of hot, humid air.
3. Get a Good Air Purifier
Know how to fight the flu with your heating system? Install a system-based air purifier. Your filter carries some weight – but your air purifier is an Olympic powerlifter. With both, your indoor air quality will be amazing.
Remember – you’re not looking for a room air purifier. If you get one of those, you’ll have a bubble of clean air, while the rest of the house is neglected.
However, a system-based air purifier knocks contaminants out of your whole home’s air fast. In fact, all your air cycles fresh an average of once every 11.5 minutes. Don’t give airborne bacteria, mold, and pollen a chance to worsen your flu symptoms.
To Do: choose a photocatalytic oxidation air purifier. You probably won’t need to replace filters, and this type of purifier works wonders.
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To make your heating system help fight the flu, Neal’s Heating and Air can help. Our licensed, professional techs in North Georgia can come out to install an air purifier or humidifier to keep your air healthy. Just call us at (706) 764-7185 or request a free consultation today!
Your Heater Is Blowing Cold Air: 4 Questions You Should Ask
If your heater is blowing cold air, you’re probably not a happy homeowner. After all, the comfort of your home should be consistent. And, you rely on your heater to keep you warm all winter. Having to wear a blanket or warm layers indoors isn’t your idea of comfort. What to do?
This is where experience and knowledge can help. Even in North Georgia heat pump service is super important. Because comfort systems have a range of normal operation, you need to know what’s normal – and what should lead you to call for repairs. At Neal’s Heating and Air, we want to help. So, here are 4 questions you should ask if your heater is blowing cold air.
4 Questions to Ask If Your Heater Is Blowing Cold Air
Hold the phone! These questions are essential to ask before you get a heating service company to check your system. Once you know the answers, you’ll know if you need a tech.
1. Is Your Heat Pump Defrosting Like Normal?
If your heat pump is doing what it should, it’ll run on a schedule. Once per hour or so, it should activate to melt ice off the unit. While it’s warming up, you will feel cold air through your vents. This is normal during defrosting. After the defrosting cycle ends, you’ll feel warm air again.
Call for heating system service if the heater keeps pushing cold air out. Make sure to ask for a licensed and insured tech. We’ll be able to diagnose the problem quickly and bring back your comfort.
2. Is Your Outside Heater Unit Frozen?
If your heat pump is frozen, it could look and sound like it’s operating normally – while failing to warm your home. If your heater is blowing cold air, make sure your heat pump isn’t frozen. When the temperature drops below 20° F, ice may form on top of your heat pump. Remove it, then wait a bit. If your heater starts putting out warm air again, you’re good to go.
Give Neal’s a call if nothing changes once the ice is removed. We’ll come out to restore heat to your home. No need to live in Antarctica!
3. Is It Really Warm Air?
What temperature is your thermostat set at? Somewhere between 65 and 80, right? Well, your normal temperature is around 98° F. Heated air will always feel cool when it’s blowing on you. The best gauge of whether your heater is blowing cold air is your thermostat. Check it first – then call for service if the indoor temperature is more than a few degrees colder than the setting.
4. Could the Compressor Be at Fault?
Let’s say your heater is blowing cold air. And, it isn’t defrosting, frozen, or blowing warm air. If that’s the case, your compressor may be broken. To make it simple, your heater never really heats air in the winter. Rather than making air hotter, it draws heat from air outside your home and forces it through your ductwork to heat your home. That’s why heat pumps are less effective when it gets extremely cold outside.
Heat is removed from air by refrigerant. To keep the refrigerant moving and more effective, the compressor circulates it. And the compressor circulates the refrigerant. It’s a crucial part. And, if it breaks, your heat pump is immediately useless. Call a heating and air specialist if your heat pump stops operating. If you hear it making screeching sounds, that’s a clue that your compressor is breaking but not quite broken yet.
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If your North Georgia heater is blowing cold air and you want your home to be warm, call Neal’s Heating and Air at (706) 764-7185 or fill out our contact form today. We’ll fix your heat pump and restore comfort to your home.
How to Keep Pests Out of Your Heating and Air System
Do you know how to keep pests out of your heating and air system? Your home’s comfort may depend on it. And, it doesn’t matter what season it is. Summer, winter, spring or fall – pests can invade your heating and air system year-round. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll make their way indoors. However, they can cause damage and disrupt your system’s normal function. So, now’s the time to make certain to keep them out!
How to Keep Pests Out of Your Heating and Air System
Keep reading to learn more about how to keep pests out of your heating and air system. We’ll break it down into 5 simple steps.
1. Clear the Area Around Your System
Your heating and air unit attracts pests for a couple of reasons: shelter and food. Of the two, shelter is far more common. But you’d be surprised how many homeowners keep their trash cans near the HVAC unit. Simply make sure to:
- Keep your trash cans away from the unit to avoid the allure of food
- Clear weeds, bushes, and tall grass away from your system to eliminate shelter
2. Seal Your Ducts
Cracks or loose joints can be an invitation for pests to make their way into your ductwork. From there, they have easy access to the whole system. Seal leaky ducts. By doing so, you’ll keep pests (and allergens) out.
3. Secure Your Vents
The warm air coming from vents like your dryer vent and exhaust fans can attract pests. It’s not uncommon to find different kinds of nests built in vents. From there, they can make their way into your home. Install strong, secure vent covers to stop the problem before it starts.
4. Invest in Pest Control
You know one of the best ways to keep pests out of your heating and air system? Invest in pest control. At the first sign of trouble, call a pest control expert. You may cut short an infestation. And, they won’t be attracted to your heating and air system if they’re repelled from your property in general.
5. Maintain Your System Regularly
This is the most often-overlooked aspect of keeping pests out of your system. If your maintenance technician notices a pest problem, you’ll be aware. And you’ll probably be able to take care of the problem before it becomes expensive. Schedule regular maintenance and cleaning. If your heating and air unit is clean and whole, it will discourage pests from trying to get in.
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Pests are a nuisance in all kinds of ways. And, they can wreak havoc if left to themselves. Take steps to keep pests out of your heating and air system before they damage it. If you do end up with a problem, be sure to give Neal’s Heating and Air a call at (706) 764-7185 right away. We’ll help you set your system right again.