When Wildlife Moves Into Your Air Conditioner – Sunshine Coast

When Wildlife Moves Into Your Air Conditioner

Living on the Sunshine Coast means we share our homes with some pretty incredible wildlife. From curious possums to cheeky geckos, most of the time it’s a joy. But sometimes, our furry, scaly, or feathered neighbours decide to take up residence where they really shouldn’t — inside your air conditioning system!

Just the other day, our team was called to a job and found a big carpet snake curled up in the customer’s outdoor unit. Thankfully, the snake was safely relocated, but it got us thinking — this happens more often than you’d expect.

Common Animal Visitors in AC Units

Here on the Sunshine Coast, we often come across:

• Snakes seeking warmth and shelter
• Possums squeezing into outdoor units and roof cavities
• Geckos and lizards slipping into control boards
• Frogs hiding in drain pipes
• Birds nesting around outdoor systems
• Insects like ants causing wiring damage

It might sound funny, but these surprise visitors can cause serious problems for your system.

Why Animals Love Air Conditioners

Air conditioning systems provide:

• Warm, protected spots for nesting
• A reliable water source from condensation
• A quiet, hidden space away from predators

Unfortunately, this makes them very attractive to local wildlife.

The Risks of Animals in Your Air Conditioner

While it might make for a good story, animals inside your AC system can lead to:

• Blocked airflow and reduced efficiency
• Damage to wiring and components (geckos and ants are notorious for this)
• Strange smells from nests or droppings
• System breakdowns that require costly repairs
• Safety hazards if wiring is chewed or damaged

How to Protect Your System

You can’t stop wildlife from exploring your backyard, but you can reduce the chance of them moving into your air conditioner. Here are our top tips:

• Keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of plants, branches, and clutter.
• Install protective mesh guards to stop small animals slipping inside.
• Check and clean drain lines regularly to avoid frog blockages.
• Book regular servicing with a licensed air conditioning technician to catch any surprises early.

Need a Hand?

At The Cool Shop, we’ve seen it all — from snakes to possums and everything in between. Our experienced team can service your system, repair any animal damage, and give you practical advice to keep your air conditioner safe and running efficiently.

📍 Based right here on the Sunshine Coast, we offer free quotes for Daikin ducted reverse cycle systems, upgrades, and split system installations.

Give us a call today — we can’t keep the wildlife out of your garden, but we can keep them out of your air conditioner!