HVAC Maintenance Tips 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 families own a pet. The largest number of these cuddly family members are cats, dogs and other animals who will shed or produce 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
Your indoor air’s overall quality depends on the condition of your air filter since it filters dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. When you have pets, you might 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 example, if you have a filter that’s expected to last 90 days, you may want to take a look once a month. With pets, a filter gets dirty fast, particularly when your HVAC system runs most often.”
2. Think About Upgrading Your Air Filter
You may also look into getting a better air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to know the smallest particles your filter can capture. 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 capture dander well, Hughes added. Some pet owners also choose a higher-end whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Keep the AC’s Condenser in the Best Possible Shape
The AC unit, particularly the outdoor cabinet, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These condensers have coils or heat exchangers that collect their share of dirt and debris over the course of a year. In some unfortunate situations, pets may urinate on the outdoor unit, and if they are frequently near the unit, fur or hair could be pulled into the system, clogging the coils.
“The acid from pet urine 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 reduce system efficiency.” If necessary, install a fence around the unit, but ensure airflow remains unobstructed, Hughes suggested.
4. Keep up with Your Pet’s Grooming
If you brush your pet often, there’s less hair that can make its way into your home’s ventilation system. “I recommend people use a vacuum brush to pull off as much fur as they can from their pets. That way you aren’t releasing the hair or dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes added.
5. Increase How Often You Vacuum and Clean Return Vents
Running the vacuum more often can reduce the amount of hair and dander getting into your HVAC system. While you have the vacuum out, vacuum the return air vents as well. The return vent system varies according to your home’s layout. Regardless, you’ll always find return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents bring in air and then filter and recirculate it across your home using the supply air vents, so more vacuuming is an extra way to minimize unwanted dust, dander and hair.
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 technician comes to your home, ask if there are other preventive steps to take to keep your system running smoothly.
“The visiting technician is an additional Expert to help you to assess the effects of pets on your system,” Hughes said. “A tune-up is a chance to build an important relationship that ensures a longer-lasting HVAC system.”
Explore Duct Cleaning Services
If the air filter gets clogged, pollutants and allergens can reach the duct system, causing more long-term air quality issues. 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. For pet owners, it can be a smart investment,” Hughes said.
To get all the details about how to maintain indoor air quality when you own pets, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance call today.
