A Pet Owner’s Guide to HVAC Maintenance
According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million homes have pets. The largest number of these cuddly family members are cats, dogs and other animals who can shed or spread dander in their homes. While it’s a joy 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. Replace Your Air Filter Frequently
The quality of your indoor air depends on the working condition of your air filter because it pulls dust, dander and allergens from the air. When you have pets, you might need to replace it sooner.
“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 rated to last three months, you may want to check it every month. Pets can clog up the air filter much faster, particularly during shedding seasons.”
2. Look into Upgrading Your Air Filter
You may also look into getting a better air filter. Look for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to see the smallest size of particles the filter can catch. For residential use, the ideal MERV rating ranges from five to 13, with higher numbers providing better filtration. Consider at least a nine or higher to effectively filter out dander, Hughes added. Many pet owners even opt for a high-efficiency whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Don’t Let the Air Conditioner’s Condenser Break Down
The AC unit, particularly the outdoor cabinet, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. AC condensers have coils/heat exchangers that collect their share of dirt and debris throughout the year. In some unfortunate situations, pets may use the outdoor unit as a place to urinate, and if they are frequently near the unit, their fur may get pulled into the coils and clog them up.
“The acid from pet urine will damage the AC coils 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 necessary, add a small fence around your outdoor unit, but be sure not to block or restrict airflow, Hughes suggested.
4. Groom Your Pet Regularly
If you brush your pet often, less hair will enter your HVAC system. “I recommend people use a vacuum brush to pull off as much fur as they can from their pets. This way you avoid spreading the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes said.
5. Clean Return Air Vents and Stay on Top of Vacuuming
Running the vacuum more often is an easy way to reduce the amount of hair and dander getting into your HVAC system. While you’re already vacuuming, don’t forget to clean out what you can in the return air vents as well. The return vent system varies depending on how your home was designed. Regardless, your home will always have return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents pull in air and then filter and recirculate it across your home using the supply air vents, so more vacuuming is another layer of protection against unwanted dust, pet hair and more.
6. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up Twice a Year
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician two times each year to ensure everything is running its best, especially if you are a pet owner. When the HVAC specialist arrives, ask if there are additional steps you can take for your system to run more efficiently.
“The visiting technician is another pair of eyes for you to monitor how pets affect your system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is an opportunity to build an important relationship that ensures a longer-lasting HVAC system.”
Consider Air Duct Cleaning
When your HVAC system’s air filters become clogged, dust and common allergens can reach the duct system, causing more trouble with your home’s air quality. 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 get their ducts cleaned every couple of years. Duct cleaning can be a longer-lasting solution for pet owners,” Hughes said.
To find out more about how to maintain indoor air quality when you own pets, go to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance tune-up today.