If your air conditioning unit is not used during the winter months, it can be a good idea to check it before using it again. The colder months can mean that the safety and warmth of the unit has become a haven for mice. You certainly don't want these creatures to be inside your unit, as they can become trapped and can cause significant issues for your air conditioner. So what do you need to do when looking for evidence of mice in your air conditioner? And how can you fix the issue?

Inspecting the Exterior

Inspect the outside component of your split system air conditioning unit. Remove any debris that have accumulated around the unit. Use a brush to remove any debris or cobwebs that might be on or just inside the louvres or grilles. Please ensure that the air conditioner is switched off before you do this. If the gaps in the louvres or grilles are of a sufficient size, this means that mice might have been able to make their way into the unit without obstruction.

Inspecting the Interior

Using a screwdriver, remove the access panel for the unit and look inside. Is there an attenuator? This is present in some models, and it's a type of noise insulating blanket that reduces the operating noise of the unit's condenser while still permitting air intake. This blanket can be removed, shaken off to get rid of dirt and dust, and then put back into place. You should also inspect the attenuator for any signs of rodents. They might have simply nibbled at the attenuator, or they might have made a hole so that they can actually make their way further into the unit. Look for mouse droppings and even mouse carcasses.

Going Further Inside the Unit

If you suspect that mice have made their way further into the unit, then you should contact a company that specialises in air conditioning repairs for a thorough inspection. You want to ensure that any mice are removed before you operate the air conditioner again, as mice can become trapped in the unit's internal mechanism. This can damage your unit, and even if the unit can still freely operate, the scent of decomposing mice might begin to be fed into your home along with the cold air.

Fixing the Problem

Any live mice that have made their way into the unit's vents will need to be trapped and removed. You can remove the grilles and filters inside your home to place traps. These traps will need to be regularly checked, again to ensure that the scent of decomposing mice is not fed into your home. A larger infestation might require you to call an exterminator. Ask the air conditioning repair company about ways to prevent future access via the unit's louvres or grilles. Mesh can often be attached without restricting the unit's air intake capabilities.

You don't want to have to share your air conditioning unit with mice, and with a small amount of effort, you won't have to.