HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners
As reported by the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million families have one or more pets. The largest number of these family members are dogs, cats and other furry friends who will shed or produce dander in their homes. While it’s a joy to care for a family pet, you should take a few extra measures to maintain your HVAC system. Start with these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Swap Out or Clean Your Air Filter Consistently
Your indoor air’s overall quality depends on the working condition of your air filter because it pulls dust, dander and many other airborne particles from the air. With 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 expected to last 90 days, 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. Consider an Air Filter Upgrade
You should also look into getting a better air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to learn the smallest particles your filter can capture. For residential use, you’ll see filters rated from five to 13, where higher numbers mean better filtration. It’s advisable to use a nine or higher to trap dander effectively, Hughes added. Many pet owners also choose a higher-end whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Don’t Let the Air Conditioner’s Condenser Break Down
Your air conditioning system, namely the outdoor unit, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have coils/heat exchangers that can slowly accumulate dirt and debris throughout the year. While it doesn’t happen often, some pets even urinate on outdoor units, and if they are around it often enough, their fur may get pulled into the coils and clog them up.
“The acidity in pet urine can actually corrode the air conditioner’s coils and possibly lead to a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And a lot of hair in the condenser will lower the system’s efficiency.” If needed, place a fence or other barrier around the unit, but ensure airflow remains unobstructed, Hughes suggests.
4. Groom Your Pet Regularly
By brushing your cat or dog regularly, less hair will enter your HVAC system. “I recommend people use a vacuum brush to remove excess hair 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 reduce the amount of hair and dander making its way into your system. While you’re already vacuuming, it’s also a good idea to vacuum the return air vents. The placement of return air vents will vary according to your home’s layout. Regardless, you’ll always find return and supply vents. Return air vents bring in air and then filter and redistribute it back into every room using the supply air vents, so more vacuuming is added defense against unwanted dust, dander and hair.
6. Schedule a Maintenance Call Every Six Months
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician twice a year to ensure everything is running its best, and this is doubly so for homes with pets. When the technician visits, it’s a good idea to ask them about other preventive steps to take to maintain your system’s overall efficiency.
“The technician is another pair of eyes for you to monitor how pets affect your system,” Hughes said. “A tune-up is a chance to build an important relationship that supports the long-term health of your HVAC system.”
Look into Professional Air Duct Cleaning
If the air filter gets clogged, dust and common allergens can leak into the ducts, causing additional long-term air quality problems. If pet hair and dander still isn’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 find out more about maintaining indoor air quality with pets, go to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance tune-up today.
