Is your AC exposed without a fence or anything around it? Do you have a dog in your backyard?
Believe it or not, one of your dog’s favorite places to relieve himself is probably on your air conditioner! (Even if you think your dog doesn’t go to the bathroom on your unit, he or she probably does.)
Our installation supervisor says he once was talking with a homeowner, and in the middle of the person saying he was certain his dog didn’t cause the damage to his AC, the dog walked up and peed on it right in front of them. This might sound funny at first, but it’s definitely no laughing matter! Over time, dog pee can cause major damage to your air conditioner!
Why Do Dogs Pee on Air Conditioners?
You probably don’t need HVAC experts to tell you that dogs mark their territory all the time, but what you may not know is that your AC is part of their territory! Not only that, but your air conditioner is worked on by people your pup isn’t familiar with—like the people at your AC company. That means your AC smells like strangers, and your dog feels the need to let those strangers know that’s his territory!
What Happens if Your Dog Pees on Your AC?
Dog pee can corrode the aluminum and the copper of your outdoor unit. Their urine is pretty acidic, meaning it can slowly eat away at the system’s metal parts and components. If these begin to corrode away, it can cause a bunch of problems for you and your air conditioner!
Condenser Coil Damage
Urine can destroy condenser coils, causing a refrigerant leak. Regular maintenance helps because your technician can catch the leak early on before it gets too bad. If the leak is left alone, it can continue to get worse until it needs to be replaced entirely. While we can help keep it from getting worse, we can’t undo the damage that’s already been done.
Problems With the Electrical Components
Dog pee doesn’t just stop at the coils; it can sneak into the electrical parts of your AC, too! If urine reaches the wiring or connections, it can cause corrosion and even short out components. That kind of damage can lead to issues starting your system or keeping it running the way it should.
The Sooner You Call For Help, The Better!
If too much of your AC unit is damaged by dog urine, it’ll have to work harder to cool your home with the damaged parts, and this can hike up your energy bills and leave you with an AC that wastes energy (and money). The longer the problem goes on, the more likely you are to need an AC repair or even a complete system replacement.
What to Do if Your Dog Pees on Your Air Conditioner
You can’t always monitor where your dog goes to the bathroom, but there are still some solutions to prevent this kind of damage.
Get Your Coils Cleaned
The first solution is to have your coil professionally cleaned. This is necessary at least once a year to make sure your unit is happy, healthy, and keeping you cool (and indoor air quality high)! When we come to clean your coil, we’ll use an environmentally friendly chemical cleaner designed for air conditioners. Your tech will use a special tool to get the cleaner all over the coil to make sure it’s as clean as can be.
Block Your Unit
Coil cleaning is an important part of making sure your AC runs well and lives a long life, but it doesn’t stop your dog from peeing on your unit again. In order to keep your dog from using your cooling system as his own personal bathroom, you can build a fence around your unit to protect it. Just be sure not to build too close to the unit, or it could keep air from flowing in and out!
How to Stop Your Dog from Peeing on Your AC
You may have never seen your dog pee around your outdoor unit, but it’s best to treat the AC as if it does. A couple of ways to keep your AC safe include fencing off the air conditioner and scheduling regular coil cleanings (you know, just in case it happens again). Plus, you could try using a pet-safe deterrent spray near the system or even creating a designated bathroom area away from the HVAC system. Whatever method you choose, a little prevention now can save you from expensive problems later.
We’re Here if You Need Us!
…We know keeping your dog away from your air conditioning system is easier said than done. That’s why we’re here to provide air conditioning repair services in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s your pup causing problems or you’re dealing with any other type of AC problems, we’re proud to be your neighbor in Charlotte, and we’ll be there when you need us most!
Other Ways to Protect Your Air Conditioner
Air conditioners are pretty hefty investments, and keeping yours working at its best is key. Whether it’s your dog that just won’t leave it alone, the Charlotte weather doing its worst, or everyday wear and tear, your AC puts up with a lot. Luckily, regular AC maintenance can keep it running right, so you don’t have to worry about facing the hot summer heat alone.
Maintenance Made Easy With Morris-Jenkins!
You’ve got a busy day as it is without worrying about caring for your air conditioning system. That’s why we offer our Priority Advantage® Membership. This makes sure you get the maintenance you need, when you need it, while providing other great benefits like discounts on repairs and diagnostics, free plumbing inspections, and more! At Morris-Jenkins, we can take care of your entire home, offering solutions from HVAC services to plumbing and electrical work.
Give us a call today for AC maintenance made easy!
Dealing With a Damaged Air Conditioning System? Give Morris-Jenkins a Call!
We LOVE dogs… but we don’t love the damage they can do to your air conditioner if they’re doing their business on it. If your air conditioner has been getting a little too much attention from your pup, give Morris-Jenkins a call! Our air conditioner repairs in Charlotte, NC, are designed to handle unexpected problems and bring cool air back to your home.
From minor repairs to complete AC replacements, Morris-Jenkins can help with it all! We’re proud to serve the Charlotte community, and we take pride in delivering the services our neighbors deserve. Contact us today to get started!
