A Pet Owner’s Guide to HVAC Maintenance
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts
As reported by the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million households own a pet. Most of these family members are dogs, cats and other furry friends who tend to shed or spread dander in their homes. While it’s a joy to have a dog or cat, you should take a few extra measures to keep your HVAC system running properly. Follow these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Replace Your Air Filter Frequently
Indoor air quality depends on the condition of your air filter because it filters dust, dander and many other airborne particles from the air. When you have pets, you might need to replace it sooner.
“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 may want to check it every month. Pets can clog up the air filter much faster, especially during shedding seasons.”
2. Look into Upgrading Your Air Filter
You may also think about getting a higher-rated air filter. Check the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to know the smallest particle size your air filter will trap. For residential use, you’ll see filters rated from five to 13, with higher numbers providing better filtration. It’s advisable to use a nine or higher to trap dander effectively, Hughes added. Many pet owners sometimes upgrade to a more advanced whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Protect Your Air Conditioning’s Condenser
Your air conditioning system, particularly the outdoor unit, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These condensers have coils/heat exchangers that gather dirt and other yard debris each year. While it doesn’t happen often, pets may use the outdoor unit as a place to urinate, and if they are near it on a regular basis, hair or fur can collect on the coils.
“The acid from pet urine will corrode the air conditioner’s coils and may even cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And if there’s a lot of hair in the condenser, it will start to affect system efficiency.” If necessary, add a small fence around your outdoor unit, but be sure not to block or restrict airflow, Hughes suggested.
4. Groom Your Pet Regularly
By brushing your cat or dog regularly, less hair will enter your HVAC system. “I recommend people use a vacuum brush to get rid of extra hair from their pets. That way you aren’t dispersing the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes added.
5. Increase How Often You Vacuum and Clean Return Vents
Vacuuming more often will reduce the amount of hair and dander getting into your HVAC system. While you’re vacuuming, vacuum the return air vents as well. The placement of return air vents will vary according to your home’s layout. But every home has return and supply vents. Return air vents bring in air and then clean and circulate it across your home using the supply air vents, so more vacuuming is another layer of protection against unwanted dust, hair and animal dander.
6. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up Twice a Year
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician two times each year to make sure everything is working properly, especially if you are a pet owner. When the technician comes to your home, you might want to ask about additional steps you can take to maintain your system’s overall efficiency.
“The visiting technician is an additional Expert to help you to monitor how pets affect your system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is the perfect time to build an important relationship that ensures a longer-lasting HVAC system.”
Explore Duct Cleaning Services
If the air filter gets clogged, pollutants and allergens can leak into the ducts, causing more long-term air quality issues. If you’re worried about pet hair and dander, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.
“I know some pet owners who schedule duct cleanings every couple of years. Duct cleaning can be a longer-lasting solution for pet owners,” Hughes said.
To get all the details about keeping indoor air quality high as a pet owner, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or request a professional HVAC tune-up today.
