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Ken
MVM
join:2003-06-16
Markle, IN

Ken to ArgMeMatey

MVM

to ArgMeMatey

Re: Mice in air conditioning condenser

Why would you put a blanket over your condenser? Also what is a sump heater?

ArgMeMatey
join:2001-08-09
Milwaukee, WI

ArgMeMatey

Member

said by Ken:

Why would you put a blanket over your condenser? Also what is a sump heater?

The blanket is on the compressor. It's the orange thing in the first photo. It came from the factory with the unit. Doing a little more research, they seem to refer to it as an attenuator, which makes sense.

The sump heater is a refrigerant heater. I think the manual says to leave it on all year, but the startup docs just say to make sure the unit is powered for one hour per pound (or ounce or whatever), of refrigerant before operating the compressor. So, I just turn the breaker off for the winter and turn it back on in the spring at least a day before I think I'll need A/C. Trane Part# HTR1298.

cdru
Go Colts
MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN

cdru to Ken

MVM

to Ken
said by Ken:

Also what is a sump heater?

Crankcase heater

Ken
MVM
join:2003-06-16
Markle, IN

Ken

MVM

Interesting. I'm a bit familiar with HVAC and have never heard of that before. I still don't understand why you would need an insulated cover.

cdru
Go Colts
MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN

cdru

MVM

said by Ken:

I still don't understand why you would need an insulated cover.

It's not there for it's thermal insulation capacity, it's there for it's sound insulating capacity. It makes a noisy compressor quieter. As long as the compressor is properly serviced and in good working order, the retention of the heat by the insulation should not impact the compressor's operation.

I'd clean out the condenser cabinet, then seal up any openings that are not screened over that would allow mice to enter. They are entering the cabinet because it's warmer and/or more protected from the elements then alternatives.

The other option is to put a cat in there. Depending on the frequency of the mice visiting, the cat may or may not make it very long so you might be trading one problem for another.

ArgMeMatey
join:2001-08-09
Milwaukee, WI

ArgMeMatey

Member

said by cdru:

I'd clean out the condenser cabinet, then seal up any openings that are not screened over that would allow mice to enter.

I clean it every year, pretty thoroughly with shop vac, then water and then soap, scrub and rinse.

Sealing up openings is a problem since there are louvers all the way around. I can assure you that four of the mice exited through the louvers, which are about 2-1/2" x 3/8" each, and there are hundreds if not thousands of them on the unit. They barely slowed down.