Pets are a part of our lives. As much as we love our pets, they come with lots of advantages and disadvantages. Pet hair and dandruff can hurt your HVAC system. Acknowledging this will help you maintain it and ensure it runs efficiently. Part of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, involves filtration and indoor air quality.
These six tips will help keep your indoor air and HVAC system clean:
- Change filters frequently.
- Groom and brush your pet.
- Clean and vacuum your house.
- Cover wires on your air conditioner.
- Keep urine and pet hair off your air conditioner.
- Clean ductwork occasionally.
HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners
Change Filters Frequently
Whether your pet is furry or feathery, it sheds hair and dander, which are small pieces of skin that float in the air. This can land on your air filter, clog it and block airflow. As a result, the inside of the system can get dirty and affect energy efficiency.
To solve the issue:
- Replace the filter monthly.
- Or use a filter that is reusable and washable.
- Consider using a HEPA filter that can trap the tiniest dander from your pet.
- If your pets shed a lot and someone in your home has allergies or asthma, installing an air purification system can help.
Groom and Brush Your Pet
Grooming your pet will go a long way in protecting your HVAC system. Pets with fur tend to shed routinely, but don’t wait until it sheds the fur and dander to groom it. Grooming will ensure there won’t be a lot of loose hair laying around in your house. Plus, it’s essential to your pet and family’s health.
Clean and Vacuum Your House
Cleaning and vacuuming your home eliminates hair and dander so it won’t get caught in your HVAC filter. When your filter is functioning normally:
- You’ll have better indoor air quality.
- You’ll save more on energy bills since a dirty filter forces your system to work harder.
- Your system may even last longer.
Cover Wires on Your Air Conditioner
Dogs like chewing things, so you’ll want to make sure your air conditioner’s electric wires are enclosed and protected. This will protect the wires from damage and your pet from electric shock.
Keep Urine and Pet Hair Off Your Air Conditioner
Male dogs have been known to mark air conditioners. Dog urine can damage it because the indoor parts will eventually corrode, destroying the system. You can keep your pets away from your air conditioner by:
- Planting bushes around it.
- Building a small fence around it.
- Whichever option you choose, leave at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides to ensure proper airflow.
Enclosing your air conditioner can also help keep pet hair out, which can interfere with how it runs. Clogged coils can force your air conditioner to work harder and even need air conditioning repair.
Clean Ductwork Occasionally
When you’re having HVAC maintenance done, make sure your duct system or ductwork is checked as well. This passage delivers and removes air in your HVAC system. Over time, hair, debris and dust can build up, affecting indoor air quality. Having duct cleaning done will ensure you’re breathing healthy air.
If you’re concerned about pet hair and dander affecting the indoor air quality in your home, Home Heating & Cooling can help. We’re the leading provider of HVAC services in O’Fallon, St. Louis and the surrounding area. Give us a call at 618-416-0111 or fill out our contact form.