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 own a pet. The largest number of these cuddly family members are cats, dogs and other animals who can shed or produce dander in their homes. While it’s a joy to care for a family pet, you’ll want to take a few extra steps to maintain your HVAC system. Follow these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Swap Out or Clean Your Air Filter Consistently
Indoor air quality hinges on the working condition of your air filter since it pulls dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. If you own pets, you might have to replace filters more frequently.
“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. “If you, for example, have a filter that’s rated to last three months, you may want to take a look once a month. With pets, a filter gets dirty fast, especially when your HVAC system runs most often.”
2. Think About Upgrading Your Air Filter
You may also look into getting a better air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to learn the smallest particles your filter can capture. For residential use, the ideal MERV rating ranges from five to 13, where higher numbers mean better filtration. Consider at least a nine or higher to capture dander well, Hughes added. A few pet owners even opt for a high-efficiency whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Protect Your Air Conditioning’s Condenser
Your air conditioning system, namely the outdoor cabinet, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These condensers have coils or heat exchangers that can slowly accumulate dirt and debris throughout the year. Unfortunately, pets may use the outdoor unit as a place to urinate, and if they are frequently near the unit, fur or hair could be pulled into the system, clogging the coils.
“The urine’s acidity will cause the coils to corrode and possibly lead to a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And too much hair in the condenser will start to affect system efficiency.” If necessary, install a fence around the unit, but ensure airflow remains unobstructed, Hughes suggests.
4. Maintain a Regular Grooming Schedule for Your Pet
When you brush your pet often enough, you’ll reduce the amount of hair clogging your vents. “I tend to suggest pet owners use a vacuum brush to remove excess hair from their pets. This way you aren’t releasing the hair or dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes said.
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. 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 depending on how your home was designed. Regardless, every home has return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents draw in air and then clean and circulate it across your home via the supply 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 twice a year for peace of mind that all components are operating properly and safely, particularly for pet owners. When the technician visits, ask if there are any extra precautions you can take to maintain your system’s overall efficiency.
“Your technician is an extra set of eyes for you to monitor how pets affect your system,” Hughes said. “A routine maintenance call is an opportunity to establish a beneficial 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 additional long-term air quality problems. 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. 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 request a professional HVAC tune-up today.
