Can Mice Get in Through A Window Air Conditioner?

Can mice get in your window air conditioner? The answer is a resounding YES! The warm, dry insulation in window air conditioners is perfect for nesting. Mice squeeze in through pipe entries, air vents, access panels, and cable ports. They build nests and gnaw on wiring, refrigerant lines, and rubber condenser coils, compromising your unit. The humidity and harsh temperatures of summer in Arizona make an efficiently functioning air conditioner critical for providing relief and comfort. How do you keep mice out of your window AC unit so that it may operate effectively? Following are some prevention strategies. 

How To Detect The Presence of Mice In Your Air Conditioner

Some common signs indicating the probable presence of mice in your window air conditioner are: 

• Sounds such as squeaking pittering, and tapping 
• Small holes in your rubber condenser coil
• Chewed wires in your AC console 
• Mice droppings or urine puddles around the unit
• Chewed refrigerant lines
• Fur or dander in the AC system
• Foul smells
• Ways to Keep Mice Out Of A Window Air Conditioner
• Some prevention strategies are particularly successful at keeping mice out of a window AC unit,
• Position covers: Mesh screens and specialized covers are available for air conditioners. Place them over flues, vents, and ducts.
• Seal all entry points: Seal gaps and cracks in the ducts and repair damaged areas. 
• Keep moisture out: Moisture attracts mice, so keep the area around your unit dry.
• Inspect the unit regularly: Inspect your window air conditioner monthly. Look for chewed wires, droppings, stains, puddles, and dander. Check for foul smells, noises, and loss of efficiency.   
• Shut off the condenser breaker: During winter, shut off the breaker for the AC condenser, eliminating the heat that attracts mice.

Let The Professionals Help 

A professional air conditioner technician ensures your unit is well-maintained, reducing the possibility of mice intruding. They can install screens or covers, seal gaps, and cracks, and repair damaged areas. They have the knowledge, experience, and tools to help keep your air conditioning unit mouse-free. 

Are you noticing mouse droppings around your window AC unit? Do you suspect that mice got in through your window air conditioner? Contact McMillin Air. Our highly trained technicians provide quality service. We take pride in our workmanship and our competitive pricing. Call us for repairs, maintenance, or service of all makes and models of air conditioners.