Essential HVAC Maintenance Advice for Pet Owners
According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million households have one or more pets. The largest number of these cuddly family members are dogs, cats and other furry friends who tend to shed or produce dander in their homes. While it’s a pleasure to have a dog or cat, a few additional steps are necessary to keep your HVAC system running properly. Follow these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Clean or Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
The quality of your indoor air depends on the province of your air filter because it filters dust, dander and many other airborne particles from the air. When you have pets, you may need to change filters more often.
“It starts with knowing when to clean or replace the filter,” said Jim Hughes, Director of Field Training with Service Experts, one of the nation’s largest HVAC service and repair companies. “If you, for example, have a filter that’s supposed to last three months, you might want to check it every month. Pets can clog up the air filter much faster, especially during heavy-use seasons.”
2. Consider an Air Filter Upgrade
You may also look into getting a better air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to see the smallest particle size your air filter will trap. For residential use, the ideal MERV rating ranges from five to 13, where higher numbers mean better filtration. You should aim for a nine or above to capture dander well, Hughes added. Some pet owners even opt for a high-efficiency whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Keep the AC’s Condenser in the Best Possible Shape
Your air conditioning system, namely the outdoor cabinet, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. AC condensers have coils or heat exchangers that can slowly accumulate dirt and debris each year. While it doesn’t happen often, pets may urinate on the outdoor unit, and if they are near it on a regular basis, fur or hair could be pulled into the system, clogging the coils.
“The acidity in pet urine might cause the coils to corrode and may even cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And a lot of hair in the condenser will start to affect system efficiency.” If necessary, add a small fence around your outdoor unit, but make sure airflow isn’t blocked, Hughes suggests.
4. Keep up with Your Pet’s Grooming
When you brush your pet often enough, you’ll reduce the amount of hair clogging your vents. “I suggest using a vacuum brush to pull off as much fur as they can from their pets. That way you avoid spreading the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes added.
5. Clean Return Air Vents and Stay on Top of Vacuuming
Running the vacuum more often can limit the amount of hair and dander being pulled into your system. While you’re already vacuuming, don’t forget to clean out what you can in the return air vents as well. The location of return air vents varies depending on how your home was designed. Regardless, you’ll always find return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents bring in air and then filter and recirculate it throughout your home using the supply air vents, so some extra vacuuming is another layer of protection against unwanted dust, hair and animal dander.
6. Schedule a Maintenance Call Every Six Months
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician twice a year for peace of mind that all components are operating properly and safely, especially if you are a pet owner. Once the HVAC specialist arrives, ask if there are other preventive steps to take to maintain your system’s overall efficiency.
“The technician is an additional Expert to help you to assess the effects of pets on your system,” Hughes said. “A tune-up is a chance to establish a beneficial relationship that promotes your HVAC system’s long-term health.”
Consider Air Duct Cleaning
If the air filter gets clogged, pollutants and allergens can leak into the ducts, causing additional long-term air quality problems. If you are concerned that pet hair and dander aren’t under control, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.
“I know some pet owners who get their ducts cleaned every couple of years. For pet owners, it can be a smart investment,” Hughes said.
To find out more about maintaining indoor air quality with pets, go to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance call today.
