Just hit 20 years with the same HVAC - am I just lucky?

We had similar issues in a rental property a few years back. Chimney balloons are solid for drafts, but wildlife noise is a whole different beast. We ended up installing a stainless steel chimney cap with fine mesh screening - pretty straightforward DIY job if you're comfortable climbing ladders. It cut down significantly on critter noises, though not 100%. Older chimneys often have hidden gaps or cracks higher up, like you mentioned, so definitely worth inspecting carefully before sealing things up permanently. Good luck...old homes always keep us on our toes.

Twenty years on the same HVAC is pretty impressive - sounds like you've been doing something right. I've seen some units barely make it past ten, especially if maintenance gets skipped. Regular filter changes and keeping the coils clean can really stretch out the lifespan, but honestly, sometimes it's just luck of the draw with older equipment.

About the chimney cap, totally agree on the stainless steel mesh. Did something similar at my place a while back, and it definitely helped with birds and squirrels. But raccoons...those guys are persistent. Had one that somehow managed to pry up a corner of the mesh and squeeze in anyway. Ended up reinforcing it with heavier gauge screening and some extra screws. Lesson learned: never underestimate wildlife determination.

Old houses definitely keep things interesting - just when you think you've seen it all, something new pops up. Keeps us DIYers busy, that's for sure.

Twenty years is definitely a solid run - nice job keeping it going! If you're looking to squeeze even more life out of it, here's a quick checklist I've found helpful:

1. Keep up those regular filter swaps (sounds like you're already on top of this).
2. Every year or two, give the coils a gentle cleaning with coil cleaner spray - makes a surprising difference.
3. Check the condensate drain line regularly. A clogged line can cause water backup and rust issues inside the unit.
4. Inspect fan blades and belts occasionally for wear or cracks - cheap fixes that prevent bigger headaches.

As for your raccoon situation, I feel your pain. Had one practically laugh at my first attempt at chimney mesh. Ended up doubling down with heavier gauge hardware cloth and securing it with masonry screws. Haven't had a furry intruder since...knock on wood.

Old houses are definitely full of surprises, but hey, that's half the fun of DIY, right? Keeps us sharp and gives us plenty of stories to share later.

Twenty years is impressive, honestly. I'm just starting out with my first fixer-upper, and the HVAC is already giving me anxiety dreams. Your checklist is gold, though - especially the condensate drain line tip. I had no idea that was even a thing until mine backed up last summer and turned my basement into a mini swimming pool. Fun times.

Speaking of raccoons, your chimney mesh story cracked me up because I had a similar showdown with squirrels in my attic. Thought I'd share my own step-by-step guide for anyone else dealing with furry freeloaders:

1. First, panic slightly when you hear scratching noises at 2 AM. Convince yourself it's probably nothing.
2. Realize it's definitely something when you find insulation bits scattered around your attic hatch.
3. Attempt to scare them off by loudly banging on the ceiling with a broom handle (spoiler: this doesn't work).
4. Finally, get serious and seal up entry points with heavy-duty hardware cloth and screws - just like you did with your raccoon. Bonus points if you mutter threats under your breath while doing it.
5. Set humane traps baited with peanut butter (they love it). Relocate your furry guests far, far away from your house.
6. Celebrate victory briefly before discovering another surprise issue elsewhere in your old house.

Honestly, old houses are like those Russian nesting dolls - every time you fix one thing, another smaller, weirder problem pops out. But hey, at least we're never bored, right?

Twenty years with the same HVAC is pretty wild...mine barely made it past ten before it started sounding like a dying lawnmower. And yeah, squirrels are no joke - I swear they're smarter than me sometimes. Did you ever figure out how they got in? I sealed every gap I could find, but I'm still paranoid they'll find another secret entrance. Old houses definitely keep us on our toes, huh?