A Pet Owner’s Guide to HVAC Maintenance
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 pets. The majority of these family members are dogs, cats and other furry creatures who will shed or release dander into their homes. While it’s a pleasure to own a pet, you should take a few extra measures to keep your HVAC system running properly. 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 because it filters dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. If you own pets, you may need to change filters more often.
“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. “For instance, if you have a filter that’s rated to last three months, you might want to consider replacing it each month. With pets, a filter gets dirty fast, particularly when your HVAC system runs most often.”
2. Consider an Air Filter Upgrade
You may also look into getting a better air filter. Look for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to see the smallest particles your filter can capture. For residential use, filter ratings range between five and 13, with higher numbers providing better filtration. Consider at least a nine or higher to capture dander well, Hughes added. Some pet owners sometimes upgrade to a more advanced whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Protect Your Air Conditioning’s Condenser
Your air conditioner, namely the part of the system that’s outdoors, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These condensers have coils/heat exchangers that collect their share of dirt and debris throughout the year. In some unfortunate situations, pets may use the outdoor unit as a place to urinate, and if they are near it on a regular basis, fur or hair could be pulled into the system, clogging the coils.
“The urine’s acidity will cause the coils to corrode and potentially cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And if there’s a lot of hair in the condenser, it will reduce system efficiency.” If required, place a fence or other barrier around the unit, but make sure airflow isn’t blocked, Hughes suggests.
4. Maintain a Regular Grooming Schedule for Your Pet
By brushing your cat or dog regularly, less hair will enter your HVAC system. “I suggest using a vacuum brush to remove excess hair from their pets. That 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
Vacuuming more often can limit the amount of hair and dander making its way 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 depending on how your home was designed. But 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 using the supply air vents, so more vacuuming is added defense against unwanted dust, dander and hair.
6. Get an HVAC Checkup Biannually
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician two times each year to make sure everything is working properly, and this is doubly so for homes with pets. As the HVAC specialist arrives, you might want to ask about additional steps you can take to keep your system running smoothly.
“Your technician is an additional Expert to help you to monitor how pets affect your system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is an opportunity to develop a valuable partnership that promotes your HVAC system’s long-term health.”
Look into Professional Air Duct Cleaning
When your HVAC system’s air filters become clogged, contaminants and allergens can make it to the ventilation system, causing more long-term air quality issues. 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 few years. Duct cleaning can be a longer-lasting solution for pet owners,” Hughes said.
To learn more about maintaining indoor air quality with pets, head to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance call today.
