Ants destroying the Air Conditioning unit.

You know all this rain we have had lately? Got an email last month to say that a seven year old air conditioner unit was not working. We haven't been able to fix it ourselves (hubby is an electronics technician by trade) and the AC specialist is quoting nearly $1000 to repair damage caused by ants nesting inside it or $2000 to replace it. The tenant and our other neighbours have been doing everything they can to get rid of the ants, but nothing works.

Would you risk having more insects damage it in the future? Any ideas on how to fulfil our obligation to supply the tenant with the same condition he first rented the property - ie with a fully working AC?

 

What a frustrating issue!

To start with, it's not worth fixing at that age. DEFINITELY get a replacement unit. If you're talking a 7kW reverse cycle split, there's some decent deals at the moment and you should be able to get a good brand a little cheaper than that. Off the top of my head, a Kelvinator 7kW should be about $1,750 installed. If it's only a 5kW unit you can even get something that qualifies for the $300 government rebate!

Have you had the property sprayed for Ants? It's a shame to go that far seeing as they're usually a beneficial co-habit*ant* (get it, get it!?), but you don't want this happening again. Usually Ant sand would be enough, but I'm assuming they've tried that....

 

Thanks Tom.

 

Aren't ants a really odd insect to find nesting in an AC unit? Has it been turned into an ant mound? Do you have a photo?

 

My tafe teacher suggested using camphor (in the little cylinders at Woolworth's) to protect against geckos perhaps it will work with ants also?

 

I had ants in a light switch in the garage.. The electrician said it’s not uncommon.

 

Air conditioning is a plumbing issue combined with a compressor and electrics. I cant imagine pests interfering as they can't access plumbing or sealed units

 

Really? You ever looked through the air vents.

Anyway I'm getting a second opinion next week and I will be present this time.

 

No one can comment really on the issue without seeing it. Have you seen it? there are insecticides that tend to work quite well.

 

Hubby saw the nest but immediately cleaned it off. He cleaned the entire PC board with his electronics stuff that he uses for office equipment. I can send the board to Melbourne to get it repaired as a last resort.

 

Have you had a look at your landlord insurance policy ,,I had a look this morning at our policy ,could not find anything yours may be different and cover something like this..

 

Manufacturers often exclude insect damage from their warranty.

 

Na, doesn't cover damage from rodents, vermin and insects. I joked that I'll get the first quote changed to say that geckos are responsible. I cant even blame a dog for peeing on it, the PCB is 800mm off the ground and the tenant has a cat.

 

I won't suggest that it was a drunken adult then.

 

The second opinion comes from a lovely gentleman "Old School" electrician. He spent an hour testing every square inch of both units and confirmed the only damage is the Mother Ship, I mean PCBoard.

His quote to replace the PCB is a little bit less than the Young Gun's. My nice old man has also offered to replace the outdoor condensing unit and service the upstairs unit for under $1400. There is no way to seal the electronic parts from animals.

I'm leaning towards waiting until the rain ceases (will it?) and bombing the area with termite strength chemicals (because I can) to keep ants away, and then what?

As unlikely as it is, there are no guarantees that the same thing wont happen again next month or next year. The BC is useless with maintenance unless one of them is affected directly.

@brettc what would you and the Brains Trust suggest?

 

I would not touch a Kelvinator air conditioner. Get something decent like MHI or Fujitsu.

 

What issues have you had with Kelvinator? I've not heard a bad word about their units from the last few years, though I know they had a bumpy patch with some of the older models.

 

Ants are a problem in Brissy following all the rain. A week after I had a bug guy spray for ants they were traipsing from one end of the house to the other across the ceiling. Unstoppable little buggers!!

 

Buttons on remote are too big for them to turn off.

 

What about a Kogan? Delivered for less than $900, then installation cost.

Just buy a new PCboard and install that ourselves. I'm assured there is nothing wrong with any other parts.

We will probably sell the townhouse in another year.

Kogan 5.1kW Reverse Cycle Inverter Split System Air Conditioner (18,000 BTU) | Split System Air Conditioners |