Essential HVAC Maintenance Advice for Pet Owners
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts
According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million homes own a pet. The largest number of these cuddly family members are dogs, cats and other furry friends who will shed or produce dander in their homes. While it’s a joy to have a dog or cat, you’ll want to take a few extra steps to keep your HVAC system running properly. Follow these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Clean or Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
Your indoor air’s overall quality depends on the state of your air filter because it pulls dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. If you own pets, you may need to replace it sooner.
“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. “For instance, if you have a filter that’s expected to last 90 days, you may want to consider replacing it each month. Filters get clogged more quickly with pets, especially during shedding seasons.”
2. Look into Upgrading Your Air Filter
You should also look into getting a better air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to know the smallest particle size your air filter will trap. For residential use, filter ratings range between five and 13, and the higher the number, the better the filtration. Consider at least a nine or higher to effectively filter out dander, Hughes added. Some pet owners sometimes upgrade to a higher-end whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Don’t Let the Air Conditioner’s Condenser Break Down
The AC unit, particularly the outdoor unit, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have heat exchanging coils that collect their share of dirt and debris over the course of a year. Unfortunately, some pets even urinate on outdoor units, and if they are frequently near the unit, hair or fur can collect on the coils.
“The urine’s acidity will corrode the air conditioner’s coils and potentially cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And a lot of hair in the condenser will start to affect system efficiency.” If needed, install a fence around the unit, but be sure not to block or restrict airflow, Hughes suggests.
4. Maintain a Regular Grooming Schedule for Your Pet
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 added.
5. Vacuum More Often and Clean Your Return Vents
Vacuuming more often can decrease the amount of hair and dander being pulled into your system. As long as you’re already vacuuming, it’s also a good idea to vacuum the return air vents. The location of return air vents varies depending on how your home was designed. Regardless, every home has return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents pull in air and then clean and circulate it back into every room using the supply air vents, so more vacuuming is another layer of protection against unwanted dust, pet hair and more.
6. Get an HVAC Checkup Biannually
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician twice a year to make sure everything is working properly, particularly for pet owners. Once the technician visits, you might want to ask about other preventive steps to take to maintain your system’s overall efficiency.
“Your technician is an extra set of eyes for you to assess the effects of pets on your system,” Hughes said. “A routine maintenance call is the perfect time to establish a beneficial relationship that ensures a longer-lasting HVAC system.”
Look into Professional Air Duct Cleaning
If the air filter gets clogged, pollutants and allergens can leak into the ducts, causing more trouble with your home’s air quality. If you’re worried about pet hair and dander, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.
“I know some pet owners who get their ducts cleaned every couple of years. It can be well worth the investment whenever pets are involved,” Hughes said.
To get all the details about keeping indoor air quality high as a pet owner, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance call today.
