HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts
According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million households own a pet. The majority of these cuddly family members are dogs, cats and other furry creatures who can shed or release dander into their homes. While it’s a pleasure to care for a family pet, a few additional steps are necessary 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
The quality of your indoor air hinges on the working condition of your air filter since it pulls dust, dander and many other airborne particles from the air. If you own 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. With pets, a filter gets dirty fast, particularly during heavy-use seasons.”
2. Consider an Air Filter Upgrade
You should 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, filter ratings range between five and 13, where higher numbers mean better filtration. You should aim for a nine or above to effectively filter out dander, Hughes added. Many pet owners even opt for a more advanced whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Don’t Let the Air Conditioner’s Condenser Break Down
Your air conditioner, especially the part of the system that’s outdoors, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. AC condensers have heat exchanging coils that collect their share of dirt and debris over the course of a year. Unfortunately, pets may use the outdoor unit as a place to urinate, and if they are around it often enough, hair or fur can collect on the coils.
“The acidity in pet urine can actually damage the AC coils and possibly lead to a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And if there’s a lot of hair in the condenser, it will lower the system’s efficiency.” If needed, place a fence or other barrier around the unit, but make sure airflow isn’t blocked, Hughes suggests.
4. Maintain a Regular Grooming Schedule for Your Pet
If you brush your pet often, less hair will enter your HVAC system. “I suggest using a vacuum brush to get rid of extra hair from their pets. This way you aren’t dispersing the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes mentioned.
5. Vacuum More Often and Clean Your Return Vents
Increasing how many times you vacuum each month is an easy way to reduce the amount of hair and dander being pulled into your system. As long as you’re already vacuuming, it’s also a good idea to vacuum the return air vents. The placement of return air vents will vary according to your home’s layout. Regardless, you’ll always find return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents draw in air and then clean and circulate it back into every room using the supply air vents, so more vacuuming is another layer of protection against unwanted dust, pet hair and more.
6. Schedule a Maintenance Call Every Six Months
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 HVAC specialist arrives, ask if there are other preventive steps to take to maintain your system’s overall efficiency.
“The technician is another pair of eyes for you to monitor how pets affect your system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is the perfect time to develop a valuable partnership that promotes your HVAC system’s long-term health.”
Consider Air Duct Cleaning
When your HVAC system’s air filters become clogged, pollutants and allergens can reach the duct system, causing additional long-term air quality problems. If you are concerned that pet hair and dander aren’t under control, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.
“I know some pet owners who get their ducts cleaned every few years. It can be well worth the investment whenever pets are involved,” Hughes said.
To find out more about keeping indoor air quality high as a pet owner, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or request a professional HVAC tune-up today.
