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 own a pet. The majority of these beloved pets are cats, dogs and other animals who can shed or release dander into their homes. While it’s a pleasure to have a dog or cat, you’ll want to take a few extra steps to keep your HVAC system running properly. Follow these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Clean or Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
Your indoor air’s overall quality hinges on the condition of your air filter because it pulls dust, dander and many other airborne particles from the air. When you have pets, you might have to replace filters more frequently.
“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 rated to last three months, you might want to take a look once a month. Filters get clogged more quickly with pets, especially during heavy-use seasons.”
2. Consider Upgrading Your System’s Air Filter
You should also think about getting a higher-rated air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to learn the smallest size of particles the filter can catch. For residential use, filter ratings range between five and 13, with higher numbers providing better filtration. You should aim for a nine or above to trap dander effectively, Hughes added. A few pet owners sometimes upgrade to a higher-end whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Don’t Let the Air Conditioner’s Condenser Break Down
The AC unit, particularly the part of the system that’s outdoors, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. AC condensers have coils or heat exchangers that can slowly accumulate 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 frequently near the unit, hair or fur can collect on the coils.
“The acid from pet urine can actually damage the AC coils and may even cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And a lot of hair in the condenser will reduce system efficiency.” If necessary, place a fence or other barrier around the unit, but be sure not to block or restrict airflow, Hughes suggests.
4. Maintain a Regular Grooming Schedule for Your Pet
If you brush your pet often, you’ll reduce the amount of hair clogging your vents. “I tend to suggest pet owners use a vacuum brush to get rid of extra hair from their pets. This way you aren’t releasing the hair or dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes added.
5. Increase How Often You Vacuum and Clean Return Vents
Running the vacuum more often is an easy way to decrease the amount of hair and dander making its way into your system. While you’re already vacuuming, don’t forget to clean out what you can in the return air vents as well. The return vent system varies depending on how your home was designed. Regardless, your home will always have return and supply vents. Return air vents pull in air and then clean and circulate it throughout your home using the supply air vents, so more vacuuming is added defense against unwanted dust, dander and hair.
6. Schedule a Maintenance Call Every Six Months
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician twice a year to make sure everything is working properly, especially if you are a pet owner. Once the HVAC specialist arrives, you might want to ask about additional steps you can take for your system to run more efficiently.
“The technician is an additional Expert to help you to see how your pets are impacting the system,” Hughes said. “A tune-up is an opportunity to develop a valuable partnership that promotes your HVAC system’s long-term health.”
Look into Professional Air Duct Cleaning
Once your air filters are clogged, dust and common allergens can reach the duct system, causing more trouble with your home’s air quality. If pet hair and dander still isn’t under control, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.
“I know some pet owners who have their duct work cleaned every few years. It can be well worth the investment whenever pets are involved,” Hughes said.
To find out more about how to maintain indoor air quality when you own pets, go to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance call today.
