For those of you with pets, you may not realize how your beloved furry friends could be contributing to problems with your HVAC system. Your pet could be directly affecting your home’s indoor air quality and the efficiency of your HVAC unit.

Cleanliness

• Keep your pet clean by giving it regular baths – Your pet’s fur can accumulate dirt and pollen from being outside and pet dander can cause major allergies. All these things can easily recirculate throughout your HVAC ducts reducing the quality of your air.
• Keep your house clean – Pet hair and dander get everywhere especially during the summer when pets are shedding. Be sure to clean all floors and surfaces and vacuum carpets and furniture.

HVAC Maintenance

• Regularly check your HVAC filter and change it when it’s dirty – Pet hair and dander can clog your filter. A clogged filter not only reduces air quality, but it also reduces the efficiency of your system and increases energy consumption.
• Upgrade your HVAC filter – Not all filters are the same. HVAC filters have a MERV rating which is based on air filtration efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient your air filter will help to reduce indoor airborne allergens, pollutants, and contaminants. A MERV rating of 8 or higher will reduce pet dander.

Ductwork

• Have your ducts cleaned – Pet dander is extremely small and can find its way to the most difficult to clean places like your air ducts? Your air ducts take the air from your HVAC unit and transport it throughout your home. Having your ductwork cleaned will remove pet dander, hair, and other dirt and debris from circulation.
• Seal your ducts – If you have a leak in your ductwork, pet hair and dander will easily enter your circulating air. Make sure there are no leaks.

Secure equipment

• Conceal exposed wires – Wires may look fun to play with or good to chew on to your pets so make sure you keep them out of sight and out of reach.
• Keep your condenser unit enclosed – Your condenser unit is located outside. Your pet could damage the condenser’s fins with its claws or cause damage by marking its territory on the unit.

Homeowners should have their home’s HVAC system serviced at least one time per year, but if you have pets, twice a year is best—typically during Fall and Spring before heavy usage of your HVAC system begins. We offer maintenance plans that fit your needs.