Essential HVAC Maintenance Advice for Pet Owners
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts
As reported by the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million homes have pets. The largest number of these beloved pets are dogs, cats and other furry creatures who will 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 keep your HVAC system running properly. Follow these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Swap Out or Clean Your Air Filter Consistently
Indoor air quality hinges on the state of your air filter because it removes dust, dander and many other airborne particles from the air. When you have pets, you may have to replace filters more frequently.
“It starts with checking the filter more regularly,” 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 might want to consider replacing it each month. Filters get clogged more quickly with pets, particularly during heavy-use seasons.”
2. Consider Upgrading Your System’s Air Filter
You should also consider a higher quality air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to know the smallest particle size your air filter will trap. For residential use, you’ll see filters rated from five to 13, and the higher the number, the better the filtration. It’s advisable to use a nine or higher to trap dander effectively, Hughes added. A few pet owners also choose a high-efficiency whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Protect Your Air Conditioning’s Condenser
Your air conditioning system, especially the part of the system that’s outdoors, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have coils/heat exchangers that gather dirt and other yard debris over the course of a year. While it doesn’t happen often, some pets even urinate on outdoor units, and if they are frequently near the unit, hair or fur can collect on the coils.
“The acid from pet urine might damage the AC coils and potentially cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And a lot of hair in the condenser will start to affect system efficiency.” If necessary, install a fence around the unit, but make sure airflow isn’t blocked, Hughes suggests.
4. Keep up with Your Pet’s Grooming
If you brush your pet often, you’ll reduce the amount of hair clogging your vents. “I tend to suggest pet owners use a vacuum brush to remove excess hair from their pets. That way you aren’t dispersing the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes mentioned.
5. Increase How Often You Vacuum and Clean Return Vents
Increasing how many times you vacuum each month is an easy way to limit the amount of hair and dander making its way into your system. As long as you have the vacuum out, it’s also a good idea to vacuum the return air vents. The location of return air vents varies according to your home’s layout. But every home has return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents draw in air and then filter and redistribute it across your home via the supply vents, so some extra vacuuming is an extra way to minimize unwanted dust, dander and hair.
6. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up Twice a Year
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, and this is doubly so for homes with pets. Once the technician comes to your home, ask if there are any extra precautions you can take to maintain your system’s overall efficiency.
“The visiting technician is an additional Expert to help you to assess the effects of pets on your system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is a chance to develop a valuable partnership that ensures a longer-lasting HVAC system.”
Explore Duct Cleaning Services
Once your air filters are clogged, dust and common allergens can reach the duct system, causing additional long-term air quality problems. If you’re worried about pet hair and dander, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.
“I know some pet owners who schedule duct cleanings every few years. It can be well worth the investment whenever pets are involved,” Hughes said.
To learn more about keeping indoor air quality high as a pet owner, go to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or request a professional HVAC tune-up today.
