A Pet Owner’s Guide to HVAC Maintenance

1. Swap Out or Clean Your Air Filter Consistently

Indoor air quality depends on the working condition of your air filter because it removes dust, dander and other pollutants 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 example, if you have a filter that’s expected to last 90 days, you might want to consider replacing it each month. Filters get clogged more quickly with pets, especially during heavy-use seasons.”

2. Think About Upgrading Your Air Filter

You may also look into getting a better air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to learn the smallest particles your filter can capture. For residential use, you'll see filters rated from five to 13, where higher numbers mean better filtration. Consider at least a nine or higher to effectively filter out dander, Hughes added. A few pet owners also choose a high-efficiency whole home ventilation and air purification system.

3. Keep the AC's Condenser in the Best Possible Shape

Your air conditioning system, particularly the outdoor cabinet, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have coils/heat exchangers that gather dirt and other yard debris throughout the year.  Unfortunately, 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 can actually cause the coils to corrode and may even cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And if there's a lot of hair in the condenser, it will reduce system efficiency.” If needed, place a fence or other barrier around the unit, but make sure airflow isn't blocked, Hughes suggested.

4. Maintain a Regular Grooming Schedule for Your Pet

By brushing your cat or dog regularly, you'll reduce the amount of hair clogging your vents. “I tend to suggest pet owners use a vacuum brush to from their pets. This way you avoid spreading the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes added.

5. Increase How Often You Vacuum and Clean Return Vents

Increasing how many times you vacuum each month will limit the amount of hair and dander being pulled into your 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 location of return air vents varies according to your home's layout. Regardless, you'll always find return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents pull in air and then filter and recirculate it back into every room using the supply air vents, so some extra vacuuming is added defense against unwanted dust, hair and animal dander.

6. Get an HVAC Checkup Biannually

Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician every six months for peace of mind that all components are operating properly and safely, and this is doubly so for homes with pets. When the HVAC specialist arrives, it's a good idea to ask them about any extra precautions you can take to maintain your system's overall efficiency.

“The technician is an extra set of eyes for you to monitor how pets affect your system,” Hughes said. “A tune-up is an opportunity to establish a beneficial relationship that promotes your HVAC system's long-term health.”

7. Consider Air Duct Cleaning

When your HVAC system's air filters become clogged, dust and common allergens can make it to the ventilation system, causing additional long-term air quality problems. 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 few years. It can be well worth the investment whenever pets are involved,” Hughes said.

To get all the details about how to maintain indoor air quality when you own pets, schedule your HVAC maintenance call today.