Our pets are beloved family members, but as we all know, they come with additional responsibilities. You may have not thought about it, but their fur and dander and cause your HVAC system to work harder. To help out, we’ve compiled a list of HVAC tips for pet owners! In this blog, we’ll go over some best practices, so you can extend the life of your HVAC system, improve indoor air quality, and enjoy your pets company!

  1. Groom Your Pets: When your pets shed, their hair can get caught in the air filters, putting a strain on your HVAC system. Regularly grooming your pets means less AC filter changes and less pet dander in the air.
  2. Change Your Air Filters: Speaking of changing your filter, don’t forget to change your filter! Without pets, you need to replace your filters every 1-3 months depending on your family size. Once you introduce pets into the mix, you’ll have to replace them more frequently. We recommend checking your filter every 30 days and replacing it when necessary. Air filters pick up your pet’s hair and airborne particles and can quickly become clogged. This buildup will decrease airflow, making your system work harder to heat and cool your home.
  3. Protect Your HVAC System & Pets: Your furry best friends are naturally curious. When you’re not watching them, they may want to check out the HVAC unit themselves! To protect both the unit and your pets, we recommend enclosing any wires and setting up a fence of at least 2 feet from your outdoor unit. This will ensure the system gets proper airflow and that your pets don’t chew on any wires. You wouldn’t want to replace any parts because your buddy decided to “mark his territory” on your outdoor AC unit.
  4. Clean Your Ductwork: Pet dander can make its way past the air filter into your ducts. Clogged air ducts create the ideal breeding grounds for bacteria. When these particles get stuck in the air ducts, they can recirculate throughout your home every time the system is on. We recommend getting help from a professional. They’ll wear the proper protective gear and have the equipment to clean the areas you can’t reach.
  5. Clean Your Vents: Pets love to lay on floor vents. Which means their hair may get stuck in them. Visually inspect the vents in your home to see if they need to be cleaned. If so, turn your system off, and clean them with a soft cloth, brush, or vacuum.
  6. Adjust Your Thermostat When Your Pets are Home Alone: While you may only be comfortable at 70 degrees in your home, your pets will remain comfortable at a much wider range of temperatures. You can slightly adjust the temperatures when they’re home alone to save you money on your bills.
  7. Get Regular HVAC Checkups: Even if you take preventative measures throughout the year, we still recommend getting regular HVAC checkups. An inspection and tune-up will make sure everything is working in top shape and help keep pet dander out of the air. Checkups will also help extend the life of your heating and cooling system and prevent emergency repairs.

While our pets are our absolute pride and joy, they can bring in some undesirable elements. With a little effort, you can help keep the air in your home clean and your HVAC system working at an optimal level. We hope these 7 HVAC tips for pet owners helped you out! If you need any help or have any questions, please call (877) 452-8527 or contact us on our website.