(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The large number of cicadas expected in the Chicago-area this summer could be a problem for some air conditioners.
Cicadas are attracted by the sounds, vibrations and heat produced by air conditioning units.
Marc Kann, a field service manager for ABC Heating and Cooling, explained what can happen if too many cicadas cover the outside or your air conditioner or get inside it.
“Obviously, the more that we have on there, the more we have restricted airflow — damaging electrical components, the fan, the venting. So the damage can be quite extensive. We're talking hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on what components have gone bad.”
Cicadas outside or even inside the machine can make it run less efficiently.
“You could see a decreased air quality in the home. It is making the internal parts such as capacitors, compressors, things of that nature to work much, much higher than they should,” Kann said.
“Your energy costs would drive up because now your equipment is working harder to perform.”
Kann recommended removing any cicadas on or near your air conditioner, but don't use a hose to rinse them off because that can damage the unit.
He said you can put a screen, mesh or chicken wire around your air conditioner to protect it from cicadas — as long as the material does not restrict air flow.
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