Stupid Mice! Heat Pump disassembly help

[steveg_nh]

Hey All,

I need some help figuring out how to get inside my heat pump cabinet.

In short, two weeks ago I found mice living in my Aquaplus control panel. Luckily I evicted them, sealed the holes and had easy fixes to the wiring they messed with. Well they took up residency in the heat pump now. I'm thinking cousins of the buggers I "took care of" (it didn't end well for those mice). Anyway, I see some chewed pipe insulation near the cap on the top of the coils when I look down into the pump, and I can see evidence of the mice being inside, and oh yeah, I've seen one run in and out the drain holes in the bottom of the heat pump cabinet. I've put some bait traps out, but want to inspect under that cap to see what damage has been done (I think I caught it early). Is that where the compressor is? GULP.

This is a Hayward 140k BTU heat pump, model HP21404T. It looks as easy as a few screws on the sides of the front plastic panel, and it might just pull right off (of course a bunch of wires will be on it holding it). Anyone know for sure?

Also, any ideas on plugging those entry holes so mice can't get in, but water and crud can get out? Mesh screen or something? Such small holes.

Thanks!

 

[steveg_nh]

Shoot, I was hoping by the end of the day someone would have been able to help. I'm headed home to try to get in there, but hoping someone can pass on some wisdom.

Thanks.

 

[tstex]

Steve

How old is your equipment? can you call a good local rep ? I do not have a heat pump, but a 400K BTU heater...I fire it up once per week to keep all out..

Not sure of your ventilation needs, but you want to make sure all can escape as needed...a 1/4 mesh is what I use in the country for mice..to plug a hole, steel wool is great..they will not bite it

Keep up the traps and baits, mice will chew through almost anything...if they have babies in there, and you plug the holes, they are going to chew through anything to get to them.

if all fails, call Hayward if you pump is not under warranty...good luck and hopefully someone will speak up soon

 

[steveg_nh]

Equipment is about 4 years old. Will they not be able to eat through the mesh screen? The seem to chew copper just fine.

 

[steveg_nh]

Well it's all set. Easy to take apart. Front cover comes right off and then the cap over the compressor. Found a nest and no real damage. Just a bit of the insulation. Wires all fine. Nothing to fix. Cleaned it all out and then made little screens to cover the drain holes. Should keep them out. I hope! I can't imagine they are strong enough to bring the wire.