HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners
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 one or more pets. The largest number of these family members are cats, dogs and other animals who will shed or produce dander in their homes. While it’s a joy to own a pet, you should take a few extra measures to ensure your HVAC system continues to run smoothly. Here are seven tips to follow for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Replace Your Air Filter Frequently
The quality of your indoor air hinges on the state of your air filter because it removes dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. When you have 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 example, if you have a filter that’s supposed to last three months, you may want to check it every month. Filters get clogged more quickly with pets, particularly during shedding seasons.”
2. Consider Upgrading Your System’s Air Filter
You should also look into getting a better air filter. Check the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to know the smallest size of particles the filter can catch. For residential use, the ideal MERV rating ranges from five to 13, with higher numbers providing better filtration. It’s advisable to use a nine or higher to effectively filter out dander, Hughes added. Many pet owners also choose a higher-end whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Don’t Let the Air Conditioner’s Condenser Break Down
Your air conditioning system, particularly the outdoor cabinet, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. AC condensers have coils/heat exchangers that can slowly accumulate dirt and debris throughout the 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, fur or hair could be pulled into the system, clogging the coils.
“The urine’s acidity might corrode the air conditioner’s coils and potentially cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And a lot of hair in the condenser 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. Maintain a Regular Grooming Schedule for Your Pet
When you brush your pet often enough, 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 pull off as much fur as they can from their pets. That 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. While you’re vacuuming, it’s also a good idea to vacuum the return air vents. The placement of return air vents will vary based on your home’s design. But your home will always have return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents draw in air and then filter and recirculate it throughout your home using the supply air vents, so some extra vacuuming is an extra way to minimize unwanted dust, pet hair and more.
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. As the HVAC specialist arrives, it’s a good idea to ask them about any extra precautions 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. “A routine maintenance call is the perfect time to build an important relationship that supports the long-term health of your HVAC system.”
Consider Air Duct Cleaning
When your HVAC system’s air filters become clogged, contaminants and 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 have their duct work cleaned every couple of years. Duct cleaning can be a longer-lasting solution for pet owners,” Hughes said.
To find out more about maintaining indoor air quality with pets, go to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or request a professional HVAC tune-up today.
