The possibility of dead animals getting trapped in the air ducts isn’t something most homeowners normally think about or prepare for. It is, however, a much more common issue than you might think. This occurrence causes discomfort due to the foul odor the carcass emits. Attics, basements and wall crevices are enticing places for small animals to seek refuge, and air ducts help them maneuver their way through your home. This issue, if not addressed immediately, could wreak havoc on your ventilation system and require you to call a home
furnace repair specialist.
As a homeowner, it’s up to you to prepare for this situation. Follow this guide for handling dead animals in your air ducts:
Locate the Carcass
As unpleasant as it may sound, it’s important to follow your nose. If you can’t bear the stench, dab the area beneath your nostrils with menthol ointment to neutralize it. First, shut off your HVAC system and open all your windows for the foul odor to escape. Leaving your HVAC system running will cause the odor to circulate through your home. Turning off your HVAC system allows the smell to dissipate until it’s isolated to the area where the carcass is located. You may have to smell each air register until you isolate the vent with the strongest odor. The carcass will be in this area.
Remove the Carcass
Once you locate it, you can call a trusted professional to remove the carcass or do it on your own. Should you decide to do it yourself, you’ll need a flashlight, screwdriver, gloves, trash bag, tissue paper and disinfectant cleaner. Start by unscrewing the register cover, then use your flashlight to peek inside the air duct to see if the carcass is visible. If you can’t locate it, you may need to use a small camera. Once you find the body, you can use your gloves or a broom to grab it and dispose of it in a garbage bag. If the animal proves too difficult to remove or dispose of, contact your trusted
air conditioner repair company to handle the situation.
Clean the Area
After you’ve removed the carcass, sanitize the affected area with a disinfectant cleaner. If the area is hard to reach, you can opt to use a mop with a long handle to clean the affected surfaces to prevent mold and bacteria growth. To ensure that this won’t happen again, have a professional thoroughly inspect your air ducts and the rest of your HVAC system for any holes or other damage.
Overall, this process can be done on your own, but we recommend that you leave it to the professionals so that they can ensure every step is taken properly and do what it takes to prevent this problem from happening again.
Are you in need of an
AC repair? If so, turn to Cooper Brothers, as we’re here to help with all your HVAC needs!
