HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts
Based on the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million homes have one or more pets. The majority of these family members are dogs, cats and other furry friends who tend to shed or produce dander in their homes. While it’s a pleasure to own a pet, a few additional steps are necessary to maintain your HVAC system. Follow these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Clean or Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
The quality of your indoor air depends on the state of your air filter since it pulls dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. If you own pets, you may 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 consider replacing it each month. Filters get clogged more quickly with pets, especially when your HVAC system runs most often.”
2. Look into Upgrading Your Air Filter
You may also consider a higher quality air filter. Check the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to see the smallest particles your filter can capture. For residential use, the ideal MERV rating ranges 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 also choose a higher-end whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Don’t Let the Air Conditioner’s Condenser Break Down
Your air conditioning system, particularly the outdoor cabinet, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have heat exchanging coils that collect their share of dirt and debris each year. Unfortunately, pets may urinate on the outdoor unit, and if they are around it often enough, their fur may get pulled into the coils and clog them up.
“The urine’s acidity can actually damage the AC coils and possibly lead to a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And a lot of hair in the condenser will lower the system’s 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
If you brush your pet often, there’s less hair that can make its way into your home’s ventilation system. “I suggest using a vacuum brush to get rid of extra hair from their pets. This way you aren’t dispersing the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes mentioned.
5. Vacuum More Often and Clean Your Return Vents
Running the vacuum more often will decrease the amount of hair and dander being pulled into your system. As long as you’re already vacuuming, it’s also a good idea to vacuum the return air vents. The placement of return air vents will vary based on your home’s design. But you’ll always find return and supply vents. Return air vents pull in air and then filter and recirculate it back into every room using the supply air vents, so some extra vacuuming is an extra way to minimize unwanted dust, hair and animal dander.
6. Get an HVAC Checkup Biannually
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician twice a 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, you might want to ask about other preventive steps to take to maintain your system’s overall efficiency.
“Your technician is another pair of eyes for you to monitor how pets affect your system,” Hughes said. “A tune-up is the perfect time to build an important relationship that promotes your HVAC system’s long-term health.”
Explore Duct Cleaning Services
When your HVAC system’s air filters become clogged, dust and common allergens can leak into the ducts, causing more trouble with your home’s air quality. 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 have their duct work cleaned every couple of years. It can be well worth the investment whenever pets are involved,” Hughes said.
To get all the details about maintaining indoor air quality with pets, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance call today.
