During the rainy seasons we have been seeing an increased number of insects. If you live somewhat rural, it may be an even bigger issue. If you are seeing bugs getting into your home, they could be entering through your ductwork system. Just about any bug can get into your home if your air conditioning system is not well maintained and protected. There are several ways that you can prevent these bugs from entering your home. Also, if insects get into your outside equipment, there is potential for malfunction.
Here are a few tips to keep your HVAC ducts and equipment bug proof.
Inspect and Seal Ductwork
Bugs can easily enter your home via your ductwork. If your ductwork has holes in it or was improperly put in or not sealed well, bugs like ants, spiders, and other insects can find their way in and crawl into your home through the register. Your home can quickly become infested with a variety of bugs. To prevent this, you will want to ensure that there are no holes or loose connections around your ductwork. If you find holes, make sure that you seal these, and if there are loose connections, you will want to call an air conditioning professional to help get your duct back to where it should be.
Landscape Around Your Home and Outdoor Unit
You should also address your landscaping around the perimeter of your home and your outdoor air conditioning unit. If you have tall grass and shrubs surrounding your house, this can be an open invitation to bugs. If you have a lot of growth around your outdoor unit, this can also attract bugs. Keep these areas cut short to ensure bugs are not attracted. You can also plant some plants that are a natural deterrent to bugs. For example, planting mint is good since many insects, like spiders and ants, do not like the smell.
EXTRA TIP – Rural areas are prone to have more insects and outdoor equipment will become susceptible to malfunction if insects enter the heat pump. A single insect in the wrong place can cause your AC Unit to stop cooling or short cycle, Take extra care to keep insects clear of your outdoor units. If the bugs are already inside the unit, do not attempt to clear them on your own, as you could do more harm than good. Diamondback AC Professional Technicians can clear insects and spray with a special insecticide that is safe for your equipment.
Call for a Tune-Up
If you start seeing bugs in your home, you should call for an air conditioning tune-up. When a technician comes out to do the tune-up, they can inspect your system to see where the bugs are getting in. If they are getting in through faulty ductwork or coming in where wires do, they can work to seal those areas for you so that you no longer have the issue with bugs. They will thoroughly inspect outside unit as well and a tune-up is a great way to be sure that your AC unit is working as it should.
Keeping bugs out of your La Vernia or Greater San Antonio home is imperative as many can destroy your home and pose a health risk to you and your family. If you see bugs entering through your air conditioning system, call Diamondback AC & Heating today (210) 409-7271. They can help you to get rid of your bug problem and ensure that your HVAC system is working as it should.