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ZhuoY1 (Iowa)
Posts: 8
Posted:
My AC didn't work. The AC repair contractor said that it was ruined by dogs urine and need to be replaced.
My unit is on the 2nd floor. The AC is put on the grass near the deck of the 1st floor.
I am not sure if my AC is ruined by downstairs neighbor's dog or other dogs in the neighborhood. Dogs are allowed by my HOA and there are a lot of dogs. I want to put an AC fence to protect it but HOA doesn't allow it. It said "each air conditioner unit, maintenance, and care are the sole responsibility of each unit owner". What can I do to protect my AC? I would greatly appreciate any suggestions!
PS: My unit is for rental. So it is not practical to keep checking if dogs pee on my AC.
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
You say the unit's being rented - if you're the tenant, you need to complain to your landlord so he or she can take this up with the board. If you're the owner, maintenance IS your responsibility, so it may be impractical for you to check, but such is life as a homeowner, whether you rent the place out or not.

Since air conditioners are the owner's responsibility, I don't see why your board wouldn't allow this unless the placement of the fence would interfere with nearby air conditioners. You might consider attending the next meeting talk to the board and perhaps have the air conditioner repairman prepare a written statement for them to review. Since the discussion might get lengthy, you might want to ask the president if you could be placed on the agenda - you'll have a little more time than bringing it up in a resident's forum. Better yet, have the repairman attend the meeting with you so the board can ask questions.

I must admit, I was a wee skeptical of such damage to an air conditioner unit until I Googled it - sure enough, this is a thing - https://georgebrazilhvac.com/blog/why-you-should-keep-your-dogs-away-from-your-a-c
You might also talk to a few of your neighbors to see if they have the same problem - the more responsible dog owners might even have some suggestions that don't involve a fence (at first blush, I can't think of any, besides using animal repellant, but that will require reapplication after it rains)


If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265
Posted:
Is there not something like an electric fence so when the pee on it, thay get a small electrical shock?
ZhuoY1 (Iowa)
Posts: 8
Posted:
I am the owner, so it is impractical to ask tenants to keep an eye on my air conditioner, as it not their responsibilities.
I talked to some neighbors, one of them also suggested me to add a fence. I'll talk to the board. Thank you for your suggestions.
RoyalP
Posts: 1,104
Posted:
or ....... replace unit with an 'ocean-side' salt / corrosion resistant unit

stainless steel coil and fins
JoeB20 (Kansas)
Posts: 49
Posted:
You could try a dog repellent. Either the chemical scent based ones, or the ultrasonic sound based ones.

I had a neighbor with a lab and no fence a few years ago. They would let it out to do its business and it liked to do its business in our yard. The the mower wheels would track it into the garage. I got a motion activated ultrasonic dog repeller and it worked reasonably well. The dog would still run into our yard when playing fetch (which I didn't mind), but when he wanted a relaxing spot to squat for a minute, he would chose another place. That was exactly what I was aiming for. I would point out, that even though they say people cannot hear them, people under 50 likely have good enough hearing to faintly notice it.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By ZhuoY1 on 05/28/2019 9:55 AM

The AC repair contractor said that it was ruined by dogs urine and need to be replaced.

A/C and heat pump compressors are designed to be exposed to the elements.
I have never heard (and would question) any repair person saying a dog urinating on the unit caused failure (much less failure to the point of needing replacement). I have heard of rodents chewing through cables causing issues.

Prior to doing anything, I would get a second opinion.

If the unit has already been replaced, you might want to try spraying that sealant advertised on TV (you know, the one that repairs boats cut in half) around the access panel. I've used the clear spray on mounting bolts used on roofs as a precaution. Works well. This should prevent issues caused by liquid getting into places it shouldn't.

RoyalP
Posts: 1,104
Posted:
Tim,

Dog urine (the dog will pee on the same spot every time) WILL eat aluminum.

The vast majority of 'heat transfer fins' are aluminum.

Dogs-Urine
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061
Posted:
John,

Now I've heard of it.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061
Posted:
Took the time to look on the internet.

Here are some suggestions:

Plant bushes. This may keep your dog's spray from reaching the condenser, even if he chooses to mark his territory near your AC unit.

Build a fence.

Use odor sprays (one can be made on your own, vinegar, water and orange essential oil).

One other suggestion was to spray the compressor fins with a mist of WD-40.
RoyalP
Posts: 1,104
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By RoyalP on 05/28/2019 2:37 PM
or ....... replace unit with an 'ocean-side' salt / corrosion resistant unit

stainless steel coil and fins

cost effective as it will last and last and last
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061
Posted:
If you can't put a fence or shrubs around the compressor, and can't (or don't want to) pay for stainless steel unit, I think that a coating of clear flex seal spray would provide the longest protection with (I think) minimal loss in heat transfer.
ND (PA)
Posts: 792
Posted:
Potentially seek other similarly impacted neighbors to approach the Board with the same issue/concerns and perhaps change their minds about not allowing fence or landscaping. If an issue affects more than a few owners, there is power in numbers.

An inexpensive picket/specially-made AC fence is probably the simplest, cleanest, lowest maintenance method to prevent close access to your AC unit by dogs. Since they can't reach the unit, they'll pee on the fence. Understood that for now your HOA says you aren't allowed. I'd continue to push for this with them as the best overall solution, unless they have other ideas to prevent damage to your property by other members/non-members of the HOA.

Landscaping around it is another option, but any plants need to be far enough away and trimmed routinely as to ensure the unit has enough room to breathe.

Both fences and landscaping also need to permit access for a technician to maintain and repair the unit or be torn out when/if that work has to be done.
SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699
Posted:
Put chicken wire around air conditioner.
Attach electric fence unit to chicken wire.

Dog will quickly learn not to pee on it without injury.
RoyalP
Posts: 1,104
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By TimB4 on 05/29/2019 7:41 PM
If you can't put a fence or shrubs around the compressor, and can't (or don't want to) pay for stainless steel unit, I think that a coating of clear flex seal spray would provide the longest protection with (I think) minimal loss in heat transfer.

NO NO NO SPRAY

It will create a MAJOR loss of heat transfer. Which is what destroyed his unit in the first place.

Imagine spraying the radiator in your car.
ZhuoY1 (Iowa)
Posts: 8
Posted:
Thank you all for your suggestions!
I talked to an experienced investment agent who also has several rental properties. He said, owner is responsible for the maintenance of air conditioner, like normal wear, but NOT responsible for the damage caused by pets urine. The AC is put on common area, HOA is responsible for any damage, and that’s why they need to buy insurance. I am going to talk with HOA. Hopefully their insurance will cover the cost to fix AC.

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