HVAC Maintenance Tips 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 friends who tend to shed or release dander into their homes. While it’s a joy to own a pet, you should take a few extra measures to keep your HVAC system running properly. Follow these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Clean or Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
The quality of your indoor air hinges on the state of your air filter because it removes dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. If you own pets, you may need to change filters more often.
“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 may want to consider replacing it each month. Filters get clogged more quickly with pets, especially during heavy-use seasons.”
2. Look into Upgrading Your Air Filter
You should also consider a higher quality air filter. Look for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to see the smallest particle size your air filter will trap. For residential use, filter ratings range between five and 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 sometimes upgrade to a high-efficiency whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Keep the AC’s Condenser in the Best Possible Shape
The AC unit, especially the part of the system that’s outdoors, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have heat exchanging coils that gather dirt and other yard debris each year. In some unfortunate situations, pets may use the outdoor unit as a place to urinate, and if they are around it often enough, hair or fur can collect on the coils.
“The urine’s acidity can actually cause the coils to corrode 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 make sure airflow isn’t blocked, Hughes suggested.
4. Keep up with Your Pet’s Grooming
By brushing your cat or dog regularly, you’ll reduce the amount of hair clogging your vents. “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 being pulled into your system. While you have the vacuum out, don’t forget to clean out what you can in the return air vents as well. The return vent system varies based on your home’s design. Regardless, you’ll always find return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents draw in air and then clean and circulate it across your home using the supply air vents, so more vacuuming is another layer of protection against unwanted dust, dander and hair.
6. Get an HVAC Checkup Biannually
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician two times each year for peace of mind that all components are operating properly and safely, especially if you are a pet owner. As the HVAC specialist arrives, ask if there are any extra precautions you can take to maintain your system’s overall efficiency.
“The visiting technician is another pair of eyes for you to assess the effects of pets on your system,” Hughes said. “A routine maintenance call is the perfect time to develop a valuable partnership that promotes your HVAC system’s long-term health.”
Look into Professional Air Duct Cleaning
Once your air filters are clogged, pollutants and allergens can reach the duct system, causing more long-term air quality issues. If you’re worried about pet hair and dander, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.
“I know some pet owners who have their duct work cleaned every couple of years. Duct cleaning can be a longer-lasting solution for pet owners,” Hughes said.
To find out 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.
