HVAC Maintenance Advice for Pet Owners

The presence of pets can drastically affect HVAC maintenance. Your furry friends shed hair and dander, both of which can wreak havoc on the system. Addressing this concern is key to preventing poor indoor air quality and maximizing comfort.

Here are a few tips on maintaining the HVAC system for pet owners.

Groom the pets

Ungroomed pets shed more hair that often ends up in the filter, causing the AC or heater to work twice as hard. To prevent this and potentially costly repairs, groom your cat or dog regularly.

Change the filters

Frequently checking the furnace filter is essential when there are pets in the house. Their fur clogs the filter, lowering the effectiveness and performance of the appliance. If you have to change filters often, consider switching to reusable filters that can be rinsed and reused.

Keep the ducts clean

Although thorough cleaning is beneficial, tiny strands of hair will end up in the HVAC over time. Air ducts are the primary hotspot where pet hair builds up, clogging the system and reducing indoor air quality. For cleaning the ducts, it’s recommended to hire a trusted HVAC contractor. They can clean out the system to help purify the air.

Install a fence

Unsupervised pets can damage the outdoor HVAC unit by urinating on it. One workaround is to install a perforated enclosure around the outdoor unit. Cats won’t be able to gnaw on the fins, and it’ll keep dogs away from the cables.

Examine the pet door

Pet doors are highly convenient entry points for pets with in-out privileges, but they can also significantly increase energy consumption. These doors may even be installed correctly, allowing cold or hot air to escape. If this is the case, it puts unnecessary strain on the HVAC system.

To optimize the pet door, make sure that it’s appropriately caulked to seal the indoor air from the outside air.

Add air purification

Air purifiers can be sound investments, especially for occupants who have allergies, whether from pet hair or other airborne particles. These air cleaners draw in air and remove odor-inducing particles and other pollutants such as dirt, dander, chemicals, hair, and gasses. They may eliminate viruses and bacteria in addition to reducing the amounts of allergens in the air.

Seasonal servicing with certified HVAC technicians

Preventative measures go a long way to improving indoor air quality in the presence of pets. For an even healthier environment, you might want to schedule annual HVAC inspections at home. Trusted local HVAC companies can offer comprehensive examinations and tune-ups to minimize the circulation of harmful particles and keep the HVAC system running efficiently.

Stud Air Conditioning is a full-service installation, maintenance, and repair HVAC company serving Broward, Miami-Dade, West Palm Beach, and Port St. Lucie counties. Call us when you need help with your heating or cooling needs at (954)324-2905. We can help!