Essential HVAC Maintenance Advice for Pet Owners
As reported by the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million families own a pet. The largest number of these family members are dogs, cats and other furry creatures who will shed or spread dander in their homes. While it’s a pleasure to have a dog or cat, you should take a few extra measures to maintain your HVAC system. Start with these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Clean or Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
The quality of your indoor air hinges on the condition of your air filter because it filters dust, dander and many other airborne particles from the air. If you own pets, you might have to replace filters more frequently.
“It starts with keeping an eye on how the filter is doing,” said Jim Hughes, Director of Field Training with Service Experts, one of the nation’s largest HVAC service and repair companies. “For example, if you have a filter that’s supposed to last three months, you may want to consider replacing it each month. Pets can clog up the air filter much faster, particularly when your HVAC system runs most often.”
2. Look into Upgrading Your Air Filter
You may also look into getting a better air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to learn the smallest size of particles the filter can catch. For residential use, the ideal MERV rating ranges from five to 13, and the higher the number, the better the filtration. You should aim for a nine or above to effectively filter out dander, Hughes added. Many 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
The AC unit, namely the part of the system that’s outdoors, 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 throughout the year. Unfortunately, pets may urinate on the outdoor unit, and if they are frequently near the unit, their fur may get pulled into the coils and clog them up.
“The urine’s acidity can actually cause the coils to corrode and may even cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And if there’s a lot of hair in the condenser, it will lower the system’s efficiency.” If required, install a fence around the unit, but ensure airflow remains unobstructed, Hughes suggested.
4. Maintain a Regular Grooming Schedule for Your Pet
When you brush your pet often enough, you’ll reduce the amount of hair clogging your vents. “I recommend people use 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 said.
5. Vacuum More Often and Clean Your Return Vents
Running the vacuum more often will limit the amount of hair and dander getting into your HVAC system. While you’re already vacuuming, vacuum the return air vents as well. The location of return air vents varies according to your home’s layout. Regardless, you’ll always find return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents pull in air and then clean and circulate it across your home using the supply air vents, so more vacuuming is added defense against unwanted dust, pet hair and more.
6. Schedule a Maintenance Call Every Six Months
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician two times each year to ensure everything is running its best, particularly for pet owners. As the HVAC specialist arrives, you might want to ask about any extra precautions you can take to keep your system running smoothly.
“The visiting technician is another pair of eyes for you to assess the effects of pets on your system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is an opportunity to establish a beneficial relationship that ensures a longer-lasting HVAC system.”
Look into Professional Air Duct Cleaning
Once your air filters are clogged, contaminants and allergens can make it to the ventilation system, causing more trouble with your home’s air quality. 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 schedule duct cleanings every few years. Duct cleaning can be a longer-lasting solution for pet owners,” Hughes said.
To learn more about maintaining indoor air quality with pets, go to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or request a professional HVAC tune-up today.
