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. But if you keep up with maintenance, you can ensure adequate airflow and protect the cooling equipment from harm.

How Do AC Air Filters Work, and Why Are They Important?

Your air filter is a key component of the HVAC system. It captures airborne particles, such as dust, pollen and pet hair, preventing these contaminants from circulating in your home. AC filters come in many different versions, including fiberglass, pleated and electrostatic. A filter’s effectiveness depends on its minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which ranges from 1 to 20, with higher ratings corresponding to stronger filtration.

Your filter is primarily responsible for protecting the evaporator coil, blower motor and other important parts from dirt and debris that could lead to problems. At sufficient efficiency, the air 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 Can Pet Hair Impact an HVAC System’s Air Filter?

As pets shed, their hair becomes airborne and may gradually reach the HVAC system through the return air ducts. When the filter is missing, pet hair collects inside the evaporator coil, blower motor, fan blades and other components, reducing their efficiency and life span. Hair can also mix with condensation formed during air conditioning, creating a breeding ground for microbes like mold, which give off foul odors and lower indoor air quality.

Even with a filter in place, pet hair can still lead to problems. When return airflow reaches the main HVAC system, the filter does its job by trapping the hair and preventing it from landing on sensitive cooling components. At the same time, this quickly clogs the filter up, putting extra strain on the HVAC system. Without maintenance, you may experience higher energy bills and more frequent breakdowns.

What About Animal Dander?

Pet dander, made up of microscopic skin flakes and saliva particles, commonly exacerbates respiratory problems for those suffering from allergies or asthma. Filters with higher MERV ratings are more likely to effectively capture and remove dander, which is much smaller than pet hair.

How to Care for Your AC System and Filter with Pets

Maintaining an efficient, properly functioning air conditioner is certainly possible, even with pets living in your home. Here’s how:

• Change the filter regularly: Depending on the number of pets and the filter’s specific design, you should try to replace it after 30 to 90 days. Keep an eye on it every month and replace it when a clog appears.

• Keep ventilation clear: Pet hair can accumulate on air registers and grilles, reducing airflow. Clean these with the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner as often as needed. Then, call a professional for cleaning out the collected pet hair, dander and dust in the air ducts every few years.
• Keep pets well-groomed: Regular brushing and bathing is a great strategy for reducing pet hair. Keep the brushing outdoors and sweep the area afterward to prevent the hair from getting tracked inside.
• Consistently vacuum and dust: While it affects your HVAC system, pet hair can be found all throughout your home. A lot of it settles on surfaces or under furniture. Proper cleaning should include vacuuming, sweeping, dusting and washing any pet beds.
• Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear: Central air conditioners feature an outdoor unit fixed to a concrete slab outside your home. Clear away any accumulated debris, including pet hair, grass clippings, dead leaves, and similar materials. This ensures effective heat transfer for more efficient operation.
• Keep up with routine AC maintenance: Ideally, your local HVAC professional will inspect and maintain the air conditioner annually, preferably in the spring. They can find and resolve any small issues, keep internal components clean and share advice on keeping your air conditioner running efficiently with pets.

Get in Touch with for Indoor Air Quality Services

When you’re tired of excess pet hair affecting your HVAC system and indoor air quality, look to for tailored solutions and top-notch customer service. We sell and service many quality indoor air quality products designed to minimize pet hair and dander, such as advanced air filtration, whole-house ventilation and air duct cleaning. We’ll do whatever it takes to keep getting the most from your air conditioning. Enjoy the peace of mind 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.