The air conditioner is a unique system for your house. However, as much as you want to have one installed, it requires proper maintenance to prevent this unit from becoming a refuge for all types of bugs. If you are interested in learning how to prevent bugs from coming through air conditioner vents, this article is for you.
Bugs are constantly looking for new places to live, new food and water sources. They always get into the house via the air conditioner pipes. The aroma of food, Freon from the air conditioner, or the dots that appear from the compressor sock can all attract bugs.
Most bugs enjoy air conditioning, and they will appreciate the cooler air, especially if it is hot outside. If the temperature outside is high, bugs will usually flee to cooler places. Bugs find a way into your home if you have the air conditioner running because they are drawn in by the cooler air.
The fact remains that bugs can enter your house through the tiniest opening, and even where the bug is a type that does not fly, all it requires is flyers, and you have them in multitude in your house. For instance, Bed bugs, fortunately, do not have wings and thus cannot fly or jump, but they can travel long distances if brought by a carrier. Luggage and suitcases, purses, gym bags, and even your vent could be used as carriers.
If you are already dealing with too many bugs at home, check this site to contact reputable technicians for help.
Preventing bugs from inside your house through the vent requires you to properly care for the whole system and not just clean the air vent. To do this, you will need to ensure that bugs do not get to enter inside the Air Conditioner from outside since this is the only way to prevent them from getting to the air vent.
How To Prevent Bugs From Coming Through The Window Air Conditioner
1. Seal AC hose to the wall
Learning how to prevent bugs from coming through air conditioner vents is difficult. For instance, an air conditioning hose should be sealed against the wall to keep bugs out. To do this, you can use Caulk. Caulk is a soft clay-like substance used to seal cracks, leaks, and holes in structures. Various caulks are available, but acrylic and polyurethane caulk are the most suitable for air conditioning hoses.
If the hose you intend to seal is the larger hole, I recommend using the Polyurethane caulk. However, where that is not the case, you can opt for Acrylic Caulk since it is appropriate for small holes.
2. Seal any visible cracks using duct tape or cardboard
Even when a crack is not visible, it is still a sufficient passage for bugs. Hence, it is recommended that you seal all visible cracks using duct tape. Duct tape fixes everything, including air conditioners, is fast and easy to set. However, it is important to note that duct tape will not seal gaps or wide gaps, so use those cracks about one inch in diameter.
Most air conditioners have window extenders that redden your window frame and keep bugs away. However, to further protect against flying bugs, the horizons must be completely sealed with duct tape.
Where duct tape is not available, you can opt for cardboard. Though using cardboard to cover cracks may not look good as expected, it is one of the best ways to keep all cracks closed and prevent bugs from entering. Make sure to cover all the cracks and edges because bugs can enter through the smallest cracks.
3. You can use screening:
Use window screening outside your air conditioner to keep bugs out of your house. Sealing a window air conditioner is a pragmatic and effective strategy. This is the most efficient method, but it requires the proper installation of the screening. If you fix it incorrectly, there will be numerous gaps through which bugs can enter your home. So it is advisable to get the services of an expert to help get this done. This way, you can prevent spending twice to fix this.
4. Fill the gaps around your AC using a paper towel
This method can also prevent bugs from entering the house through the air conditioner. Folds of thick paper towels can be used to fill the gaps around your air conditioner. Paper towels should be neatly stuffed to breach the holes at the sides and top of your air conditioner. Multiple paper towels can be placed into each gap until it is filled. Duct tape can be used to save space on the paper towel.
5. You can manipulate a trap room:
This is another way to keep bugs at bay. You can move your portal unit to a different room or window at any time. Close your room and place traps, bugs lights, and citronella candles in the room where you’ll be transferring the portal unit. Always remember to make your air conditioner insect-proof by ensuring that it is properly installed and that all gaps are sealed.
Conclusion
Always double-check that your air conditioner’s screen filter is positioned correctly to keep bugs and other pests out. To keep bugs from sticking to your air vents, spray lubricants on them. This should be sprayed on the air vent’s edges to prevent them from forming a makeshift shelter in the corners.
Whenever your air conditioner is not in use, make sure that your air vent is covered. This can be achieved with a standard return air grille. Finally, ensure the area around your air vents is clean, as dirt can easily attract them.
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