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 households own a pet. Most of these family members are dogs, cats and other furry friends who will shed or release dander into their homes. While it’s a joy to have a dog or cat, a few additional steps are necessary 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
Your indoor air’s overall quality hinges on the state of your air filter since it filters dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. With pets, you might need to change filters more often.
“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. “If you, for example, have a filter that’s rated to last three months, you might want to take a look once a month. Pets can clog up the air filter much faster, particularly during shedding seasons.”
2. Think About 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 particles your filter can capture. For residential use, you’ll see filters rated from five to 13, and the higher the number, the better the filtration. Consider at least a nine or higher to effectively filter out dander, Hughes added. Many pet owners sometimes upgrade to a higher-end whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Keep the AC’s Condenser in the Best Possible Shape
Your air conditioning system, particularly 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 can slowly accumulate dirt and debris throughout the year. Unfortunately, some pets even urinate on outdoor units, and if they are near it on a regular basis, hair or fur can collect on the coils.
“The acid from pet urine can actually damage the AC coils and possibly lead to a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And if there’s a lot of hair in the condenser, it will start to affect system efficiency.” If required, install a fence around the unit, but make sure airflow isn’t blocked, Hughes suggested.
4. Maintain a Regular Grooming Schedule for Your Pet
If you brush your pet often, less hair will enter your HVAC system. “I tend to suggest pet owners use a vacuum brush to get rid of extra hair from their pets. This way you aren’t releasing the hair or dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes added.
5. Vacuum More Often and Clean Your Return Vents
Increasing how many times you vacuum each month can limit the amount of hair and dander making its way into your system. While you’re vacuuming, don’t forget to clean out what you can in the return air vents as well. The location of return air vents varies according to your home’s layout. But your home will always have return and supply vents. Return air vents draw in air and then filter and recirculate it across your home using the supply air vents, so some extra vacuuming is another layer of protection against unwanted dust, hair and animal dander.
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. When the HVAC specialist arrives, ask if there are other preventive steps to take for your system to run more efficiently.
“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 an opportunity to establish a beneficial relationship that promotes your HVAC system’s long-term health.”
Explore Duct Cleaning Services
When your HVAC system’s air filters become clogged, contaminants and allergens can make it to the ventilation system, 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 few years. For pet owners, it can be a smart investment,” Hughes said.
To find out more about maintaining indoor air quality with pets, head to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or request a professional HVAC tune-up today.
