Different Effects of Animal Damage on HVAC

We may not always see them, but animal pests are always with us. Unfortunately, they can get inside your HVAC system and cause damage that may not be noticed until it’s too late.

Here are some of types of animal damage that may affect your heating and cooling systems.

Damaged wiring

Some animals tend to chew on wiring inside an HVAC system. Squirrels, raccoons, mice, and other rodents are among the animals that frequently damage wiring. The damage they cause to wiring can range from chewed-off insulation to completely severing the wire or pulling it out from its connection. In the best case, damaged wiring will only prevent your HVAC system from working properly. In the worst cases, it can cause electrical fires.

Damaged components

Animals can also damage components inside the HVAC units, both indoor and out. Movement by animals can dislodge, loosen, or even break components. Sensitive electronics could be damaged by being scratched, chewed, or stepped on. Animal urine, feces, and nests could also damage interior parts of the HVAC system.

Damaged ductwork

The most common form of ductwork damage caused by animals is the breaking of seals between connections. Ductwork sections can sometimes be completely torn loose by animals in the ducts. When this happens, the heated or cooled air from your HVAC system is lost at the broken connection. Energy and money is wasted and your heating or cooling bills shoot up.

Odors and health hazards

Animals can cause terrible odors in your HVAC system. Urine and feces are a major source of these odors. The smell of dead animals can be carried into your home along with conditioned air. Animal waste and dead animals can cause a health hazard, while wasps and stinging insects can compromise safety. Even live animals can trigger asthma or allergy attacks in people who suffer from those problems.

Since 1969, Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions has been serving the HVAC needs of customers in Orlando and the nearby Florida cities. Contact us today for more information on animal damage to your HVAC system and what you can do to prevent it.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).