Keeping Feathered Friends Away From Your Air Conditioning Unit

If you use an air conditioning unit to cool yourself off during warmer temperatures, you most likely want to keep the appliance in good working order to avoid unnecessary downtime when the unit is needed most. One hazard to an air conditioner is when birds use it as a nesting place. Nests built on an air conditioner can lead to inadequate airflow due to obstructions caused by twigs and grass. Bacteria can also become present within the unit, leading to compromised airflow into the home. Here are some tips you can use to ensure feathered creatures do not take up residence on your unit.

Cover The Unit When Not In Use

It is important to take the time to use an appropriate air conditioner cover during its off-season. This will not only keep roosting birds away from the unit, but will also protect it from other pest invasions as well. A cover will additionally provide protection against ice and snow buildup, which could cause the malfunction of the unit due to excess moisture within the components inside. If you do not purchase a cover made especially for air conditioning units, you can wrap the exterior portion with plastic shrink-wrap. Afterward, cover the shrink-wrap with a heavy-duty garbage bag to give the unit additional protection.

Take Time To Clean Your Unit Frequently

It is best to clean your air conditioner whenever it appears to have accumulated debris on the exterior portion. Use a non-abrasive sponge dipped in mild detergent mixed with water to wipe down the unit to remove dust and grime. A clean unit is less likely to attract wildlife and the scent of the cleaning agent will also help in deterring pests. Placing mesh wire or bird netting along the top portion of the unit after a cleaning session will also make the area undesirable to use as a nesting area.

Add Deterrents Near The Unit To Keep Birds Away

If birds are abundant in the area near your air conditioner, you can take a few steps to make it less attractive. Cut back tree branches so birds are less likely to get too close to your home to scout out the air conditioning area for nesting purposes. Consider placing a plastic hawk near or on top of your unit to make birds think a predator is in the area. This device can be purchased in the hunting section of a home goods store. Many birds are afraid of loud sounds and shiny objects. Placing silver wind chimes near your unit will be likely to keep pests away.

If birds have already damaged your air conditioning unit, contact a company like Cape Fear Air Conditioning & Heating Co., Inc. to come and repair it for you.