If you find yourself reaching for the mosquito repellent in the house, it might be time to take a look at your HVAC system to find the source. It could be letting the insects in through the ductwork, the furnace flue, or providing a breeding ground.
Get the ducts sealed.
The easiest way for mosquitoes to get into your home is through unsealed ducts. Once inside, they’ll sense the carbon dioxide you and your pets exhale and find you, day and night. Not only does sealing ductwork keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay, it also saves your energy dollars and keeps indoor air quality higher.
Leaking ducts waste energy in proportion to their size, since the conditioned air is lost to the attic instead of your rooms. Ductwork leaks also pull in dust and other contaminants from the spaces through which they run. The airborne particulates will blow through your home where you will breathe it continuously.
Watch the drainpipe.
The monsoon brings extra humidity, and your air conditioner will be draining more water through the drainpipe for the air conditioner. Keep an eye on the ground where the pipe drains. If too much water collects, it will take more than mosquito repellent to keep the females from laying eggs in the water or moisture.
Mosquito larvae can live in wet soil or even a small puddle the drainpipe creates. You could add river rocks or sand to the drainage area or mist it with a cooking oil spray to suffocate the larvae.
Install a bug-proof cover on the furnace vent.
If you use a gas furnace, it will have a vent that exits the roof. Unless it’s covered, it’s possible for mosquitoes to come down it and enter your HVAC system.
Preventing a mosquito invasion instead of reaching for the mosquito repellent will not prevent painful bites, it will also help your HVAC system run more efficiently. For more information, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company, providing HVAC services for Yuma-area homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
