Photo: Egor Kamelev

How do you bug proof a vent?

Some of the most successful and common methods include: Sealing Any Noticeable Openings In Your Ductwork. ... Close Cracks & Voids With Caulk. ... Install A Protective Screen Around The Vents. ... Keep Up With Landscaping. ... Build A Rock Garden. ... Clean Your Gutters And Downspouts. ... Stop Water Leaks. ... Schedule An Air Conditioning Tune-Up.

modernhvac.com - How To Prevent Bugs From Coming Through Air Conditioner Vents

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Nobody likes having unwelcomed guests in their homes, especially when those guests happen to be bugs! One thing you can do to prevent bugs from getting into your home is to have your doors and windows sealed. If they still are getting in, then they are most likely getting in through your air conditioner vents. Once you’ve narrowed down the options, the next question is how to prevent bugs from coming through air conditioner vents?

If you have found yourself in this situation, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’re going to talk about why bugs choose to go into air conditioners, what bugs enter most frequently, what you can do to stop it, and more.

Why Do Bugs Enter Air Conditioners?

There are a number of reasons why bugs and insects choose to enter your home through air conditioners. First of all, insects are attracted to the buzzing that an air conditioner naturally makes. This can draw in any insect within the area closer to your air conditioner. The difference in air temperature can also actually attract bugs. Especially mosquitos, who prefer temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which might provide sanctuary during a blisteringly hot summer day. Flies can be attracted to smells coming from your home or water condensation on your AC unit. Another reason why bugs might be getting in is that the AC unit can provide shelter from predators and outside elements. Similarly, spiders like to hang out around AC units as there are a lot of insects that are being drawn to it. If you already have insects or arachnids in your home, here are some tips for preventing bugs and pests in any specific area of your home.

What Bugs Enter Air Conditioners Most Frequently?

Anything small enough that can squeeze through the vents and/or cracks will want to get inside. The worst offenders are mosquitos, flies, cockroaches, and spiders, but that will depend entirely upon the size of the voids. If there are substantially larger cracks, you could have mice actually getting inside your air vents. For preventative measures, read more here about air conditioner troubleshooting tips like cleaning out air vents and more.

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Why Should I Be Concerned About Bugs Coming Through My Air Conditioner Vents?

Most people find it annoying just having insects flying or crawling around in their home. They often bite, live in your home’s walls, nest, or swarm around your food. They could lay eggs within your home and cause a much larger infestation issue which can become costly and time-consuming. Left unchecked, bugs can also chew through any electrical components, which would require a new air conditioning unit altogether.

What Can You Do To Stop It?

There are a number of ways that you can prevent bugs from coming through your air conditioner vents. Some of the most successful and common methods include:

Sealing Any Noticeable Openings In Your Ductwork

If you see any small rips or tears, the cheapest and quickest way to prevent further bugs from coming in is to use duct tape. While there are more permanent solutions you can deploy, duct tape works wonders for those who are in a pinch.

Close Cracks & Voids With Caulk

If you are more prepared and want a stronger solution that also looks better, you can use caulk. You’ll want to use an all-purpose caulk that’s made for basic sealing as it will ensure that it adheres to most materials that your home may be made of. Make sure to use a scraper to push and guide the caulk into the specific cracks that you want to have covered.

Install A Protective Screen Around The Vents

One solution that will work great as a preventative measure is to install a screen on the outside of your unit. You will want to find a screen that will meet the needs of your specific air conditioning unit and not all screens are made the same. Make sure that you find one for your exact brand and unit as it’ll make you both happy and bug-free.

Keep Up With Landscaping

This may be one of the biggest culprits of how bugs are getting into your air conditioning unit. Make sure that there are no plants, trees, fences, log piles, grass clippings, or even garbage cans within 2-3 feet of your air conditioner. Any of these will provide bugs easy access to your air conditioning unit.

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Lots of people like to place shrubbery near their AC units as a form of camouflage to conceal the unit as they may think that it’s an eye sore. However, those exact shrubberies may be the culprits that are letting the bugs in. You may want to consider scrapping those shrubs for a rock garden. These rock gardens are both aesthetically pleasing to look at as well as deter bugs from creating nests around your condenser.

Clean Your Gutters And Downspouts

Similar to low-hanging trees and shrubs, gutters that are overflowing with debris can provide an easy way for bugs to get into your AC unit. You will want to have these gutters regularly cleaned to ensure that your AC unit is free from bugs.

Stop Water Leaks

Cockroaches, flies, and mosquitos love water buildup. Make sure that there are no torn hoses or broken water spigots nearby. You’ll also want to make sure that there aren’t leaks coming straight from your AC unit – which could be a warning that something is wrong with your unit.

Schedule An Air Conditioning Tune-Up

Final Thoughts

These tips should help you be able to prevent bugs from getting into your home from your air conditioner, but sometimes a professional HVAC service is the safest and most effective way to solve your heating and cooling system problems. Modern HVAC offers air conditioner services in the Fox Valley area and guarantees quality work. We provide air conditioning installation and replacement services if you need a brand new unit, or repair services if you need it fixed. Need help? Our technicians can provide A/C maintenance services and tips to get your air conditioning up and running again. Simply give our team a call today at (920) 733-4713.

modernhvac.com - How To Prevent Bugs From Coming Through Air Conditioner Vents

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