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 households 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 joy to have a dog or cat, you’ll want to take a few extra steps to ensure your HVAC system continues to run smoothly. Start with these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Replace Your Air Filter Frequently
Indoor air quality hinges on the working condition of your air filter since it filters dust, dander and many other airborne particles from the air. With pets, you may need to change filters more often.
“It starts with keeping an eye on how the filter is doing,” 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 supposed to last three months, you may 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 should also look into getting a better air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to know the smallest size of particles the filter can catch. For residential use, you’ll see filters rated from five to 13, with higher numbers providing better filtration. You should aim for a nine or above to capture dander well, Hughes added. Some pet owners also choose a more advanced whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Don’t Let the Air Conditioner’s Condenser Break Down
Your air conditioning system, namely the outdoor unit, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have coils/heat exchangers that can slowly accumulate dirt and debris throughout the year. In some unfortunate situations, some pets even urinate on outdoor units, 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 might 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, install a fence around the unit, but ensure airflow remains unobstructed, Hughes suggests.
4. Maintain a Regular Grooming Schedule for Your Pet
By brushing your cat or dog regularly, there’s less hair that can make its way into your home’s ventilation system. “I tend to suggest pet owners use a vacuum brush to get rid of extra hair from their pets. That way you aren’t releasing the hair or dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes said.
5. Increase How Often You Vacuum and Clean Return Vents
Running the vacuum more often can reduce the amount of hair and dander getting into your HVAC system. As long as you’re already vacuuming, don’t forget to clean out what you can in the return air vents as well. The placement of return air vents will vary depending on how your home was designed. But your home will always have return and supply vents. Return air vents draw in air and then filter and recirculate it back into every room using the supply air vents, so more vacuuming is added defense against unwanted dust, pet hair and more.
6. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up Twice a Year
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician twice a year to ensure everything is running its best, particularly for pet owners. As the technician comes to your home, it’s a good idea to ask them about additional steps you can take for your system to run more efficiently.
“Your technician is an additional Expert to help you to see how your pets are impacting the system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is the perfect time to build an important relationship that promotes your HVAC system’s long-term health.”
Consider Air Duct Cleaning
When your HVAC system’s air filters become clogged, contaminants and allergens can reach the duct system, causing more trouble with your home’s air quality. If you’re worried about pet hair and dander, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.
“I know some pet owners who have their duct work cleaned every couple of years. For pet owners, it can be a smart investment,” Hughes said.
To find out more about keeping indoor air quality high as a pet owner, go to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance call today.
