What Can Animal Hair Do to My AC Filter?

Pets are an important part of many people’s lives. In fact, pets are usually considered part of the family, and we want to keep them well-cared for.

However, pet hair usually has a negative impact on the efficiency of your air conditioning system. With proper maintenance, you’ll help preserve steady airflow and protect the cooling equipment from harm.

How Does an AC Filter Work, and Why is It So Important?

A filter is an important part of any forced-air HVAC system. It captures airborne particles, such as dust, pollen and pet hair, keeping them from reaching other rooms or areas of the property. There is lots of variety in the materials they use to accomplish this, including fiberglass, pleated and electrostatic. The overall effectiveness of an air filter can be measured with its minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which is rated on a scale from 1 to 20, with higher ratings indicating better filtration.

The primary purpose of an AC filter is to protect the evaporator coil, blower motor and other delicate hardware from dirt and debris capable of damaging them. An efficient enough filter also improves indoor air quality by minimizing particulate matter, which could lead to allergies, asthma attacks and other respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.

How Does Pet Hair Affect Your HVAC System and Filter?

As pets shed, their hair becomes airborne and is drawn into the HVAC system through the return air ducts. If there isn’t a filter in place, pet hair can build up on the evaporator coil, blower motor, fan blades and other components, potentially stopping them from working efficiently. Hair can also encourage clogs if it interacts with the moisture inside your cooling, creating a breeding ground for microbes like mold, which give off foul odors and lower indoor air quality.

Even when the filter is already in place, pet hair isn’t harmless. When return airflow reaches the main HVAC system, the filter traps the hair and prevents it from landing on vulnerable cooling components. However, this clogs the filter more quickly than usual, limiting airflow and placing additional strain on the HVAC system. Without maintenance, higher energy bills and more repair visits could be likely.

What About Animal Dander?

Pet dander, made up of small skin flakes and saliva particles, is a common allergen that causes respiratory problems for those suffering from allergies or asthma. You need a filter with a high MERV rating to effectively capture and remove dander, which is much smaller than pet hair.

How to Care for Your AC System and Filter with Pets

You can take steps to maintain the efficiency of your air conditioner, even with pets living in your home. Here’s how:

• Stick to a regular schedule when cleaning or replacing the filter: Depending on the number of pets and the filter’s specific design, you may need a new filter every 30 to 90 days. Keep an eye on it every month and replace it if you notice weaker airflow or can see evidence of a clog.

• Periodically clean the return air ducts: Pet hair collects on the air registers and grilles, limiting circulation. You can clean them with the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner as often as needed. Then, hire a professional to remove built-up pet hair, dander and dust in the air ducts every few years.
• Bathe or brush away excess pet hair: Regular brushing and bathing reduces the hair and dander your pets generate. Keep the brushing outdoors and sweep the area after you’ve finished to keep any hair from getting back inside.
• Consistently vacuum and dust: Pet hair can be found in pretty much every room of a house. A lot of it settles on surfaces around the house. Proper cleaning should include vacuuming, sweeping, dusting and laundering your pet’s bedding.
• Clear the area around the outdoor unit: Central HVAC systems need an outdoor unit fixed to a concrete slab somewhere along an exterior wall of the home. Clear away any accumulated debris, such as pet hair, grass clippings, dead leaves, and similar materials. This helps maintain consistent heat transfer for more efficient operation.
• Keep up with routine AC maintenance: An HVAC technician should inspect and maintain your air conditioning system every year, preferably in the spring. They can find and resolve any small issues, clean key components and offer tips to keep your air conditioning running efficiently with pets.

Call for Indoor Air Quality Services

If you want to minimize the impact your pets have on your HVAC system and indoor air quality, turn to for tailored solutions and top-notch customer service. We can direct you to the right indoor air quality products best suited for combating pet hair and dander, like high-efficiency air filtration, whole-house ventilation and air duct cleaning. We’ll do our best to maintain your HVAC system’s performance and energy efficiency. You can rest easy with the knowledge that everything we do is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To request indoor air quality services in the U.S., please contact today.