Eugene rat problem shows up in HVAC system
About the College Hill neighborhood in Eugene
The residential neighborhood was once the site of Columbia College, the first institution of higher learning in Lane County.
- The Register-Guard’s editor discovered extensive neglect in their recently purchased mid-century house in Eugene, including rodent damage to the ductwork.
- Repairs have included installing sump pumps, fixing the roof, and addressing a hole in the HVAC system chewed by animals.
- The home’s old gas fireplace was successfully repaired after years of neglect, reinforcing the value of simple, reliable mechanics.
This new old house of ours is full of surprises. I told The Register-Guard team the other day it keeps giving gifts, but it’s not a good gift-giver.
The journey to undo what others have done to mar the character of this mid-century treasure has yet to start as we continue to address the results of previous owners’ neglect. After installing sump pumps and drainage under the house, we repaired and added ventilation to the roof and had the related damage to the ceiling fixed.
Then we turned to another issue our home inspection identified: a hole in the flexible ductwork that serves parts of our home. The guys who spent long days crawling around in the damp, tight quarters of our crawlspace had added to our concern when they said, “Animals been chewing on it.”
That was not exactly what was in the home inspection. “Evidence of rodent intrusion?” Yes. A hole in the ductwork visible through an interior vent? Yes. “Animals been chewing on it?” Yet more proof our fine city’s rodent infestation has consequences for homeowners.
As I write this, I am waiting for the HVAC folks to arrive, no doubt donning Hazmat suits, to remove the offending ductwork that some time in the past provided a cozy home for scores of hantavirus-carrying beasts with beady eyes and hairless tails.
One of the rooms in our house lacks heating and air conditioning. Apparently, between a kink in the flexible tubing and all matter of filth, air flow is blocked. Perhaps I should be grateful.
By the time you read this, Halloween will have passed, and hopefully too the horrific images this revelation conjures in my mind: Long, sharp, yellow teeth gnawing their way into my house through the floors and walls. Sorry rat lovers out there, after this, I don’t think I can get on board with letting them live with me.
On the bright side, our ancient gas fireplace insert still works. We tried to turn it on one recent chilly morning and nothing happened. A local business (that was booked out past Christmas but miraculously had an opening I was able to snag last minute) sent a determined repairman to our house.
The glass was clouded up with a film – turns out that was carbon from years of use but no maintenance. The receiver for a remote control, added at some point in the past, had failed so he disconnected it. We’re back to having to flip a switch to start it, which is fine. Sometimes the most basic of things, those that don’t rely so much on technology to make life “easier,” are the most reliable.
Reminds me of former intern Miles Cull’s series on people who repair things. I have a pair of shoes I want to save.
Next time you hear from me, I’ll share some exciting news about the R-G. Also, if you didn’t hear me on “Oregon on the Record” on Oct. 20, you should give it a listen. As you’ll hear, I’m feeling really good about my choice to come here, about the direction the R-G is heading, and what’s to come for our community newspaper.
Eugene’s past and future are intertwined with the R-G’s success and you, our readers and supporters, are key to ensuring our revered publication continues in service to this community.
As always, my inbox is open for your compliments, comments and criticisms.
Jill Bond is editor of The Register-Guard. Reach her at [email protected].
link
