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 households have one or more pets. The majority of these beloved pets are dogs, cats and other furry creatures who tend to shed or spread dander in their homes. While it’s a pleasure to own a pet, you’ll want to take a few extra steps to ensure your HVAC system continues to run smoothly. Here are seven tips to follow for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Replace Your Air Filter Frequently
Indoor air quality depends on the working condition of your air filter because it pulls dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. When you have pets, you may have to replace filters more frequently.
“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. “If you, for example, have a filter that’s expected to last 90 days, you may want to take a look once a month. Filters get clogged more quickly with pets, especially during heavy-use seasons.”
2. Think About Upgrading Your Air Filter
You should also think about getting a higher-rated air filter. Check the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to see the smallest size of particles the filter can catch. For residential use, filter ratings range between five and 13, with higher numbers providing better filtration. It’s advisable to use a nine or higher to trap dander effectively, Hughes added. A few pet owners also choose a higher-end whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Protect Your Air Conditioning’s Condenser
Your air conditioner, particularly the part of the system that’s outdoors, 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 throughout the year. While it doesn’t happen often, pets may urinate on the outdoor unit, and if they are frequently near the unit, hair or fur can collect on the coils.
“The acidity in pet urine will cause the coils to corrode and possibly lead to a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And too much hair in the condenser will lower the system’s efficiency.” If required, install a fence around the unit, but make sure airflow isn’t blocked, Hughes suggests.
4. Groom Your Pet Regularly
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. This way you aren’t releasing the hair or dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes said.
5. Increase How Often You Vacuum and Clean Return Vents
Increasing how many times you vacuum each month can limit the amount of hair and dander getting into your HVAC system. As long as you have the vacuum out, don’t forget to clean out what you can in the return air vents as well. The location of return air vents varies based on your home’s design. Regardless, your home will always have return and supply vents. Return air vents pull in air and then clean and circulate it throughout your home using the supply air vents, so more vacuuming is an extra way to minimize 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 to ensure everything is running its best, and this is doubly so for homes with pets. Once the HVAC specialist arrives, you might want to ask about other preventive steps to take to keep your system running smoothly.
“The visiting technician is an extra set of eyes for you to see how your pets are impacting the system,” Hughes said. “A routine maintenance call 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 make it to the ventilation system, causing more trouble with your home’s air quality. If you are concerned that pet hair and dander aren’t under control, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.
“I know some pet owners who schedule duct cleanings every couple of years. Duct cleaning can be a longer-lasting solution for pet owners,” Hughes said.
To get all the details about keeping indoor air quality high as a pet owner, go to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance call today.
