HVAC Maintenance Tips For Pet Owners

Keep Your Furry Friends Safe And Warm With Our Top HVAC Maintenance Tips

Easy HVAC Maintenance Tips For Pet Owners

Pets are a beloved part of many Westchester County households, but any HVAC repair company will tell you they can also be a source of stress for your heating and cooling system.

Hair and dander can accumulate in your home’s ductwork when your pets shed. The hair that builds up can block airflow and wreak havoc on your system.

Blocked airflow reduces the efficiency of your system by forcing it to work harder to reach its desired temperature. The result is increased wear and tear on the system, requiring frequent repairs or replacements.

Also, the dust and dirt that come with the accumulation of hair and dander can clog filters, leading to more frequent filter replacements. These particles can also cause allergies and other respiratory issues in some people.

Fortunately, our experts have some best practices to help minimize your pet’s impact on your HVAC system without compromising your love for your pets.

Protect Your Indoor And Outdoor Units

Pets are curious creatures and often like to explore every nook and cranny of their home. This can lead to problems if they start poking around your furnace or AC unit. Not only can this damage the unit, but it can also pose a hazard to your pet. A simple barrier can solve this problem by keeping pets away from the unit.

Indoor Unit Barriers

You can do a few things to keep your pet from interfering with your indoor unit. First, keep the furnace room doors closed so your pet can’t get inside. If there are no doors, install a pet gate or another barrier to limit access for your furry friends.

Second, pay attention to the buildup of pet hair around vents and valves. Hair can interfere with pilot lights on the furnace, leading to malfunctions and even fire danger. Once a month, check each of your vents and valves to ensure no hair or fur is impacting your system.

Outdoor Unit Barriers

Outdoor air conditioning units can also be at risk for pet dangers. For example, if a dog relieves himself directly on the unit, it can damage the entire system. You can install a fence around your unit to keep Fido from using your HVAC as a fire hydrant.
However, keep in mind that air needs to circulate through the unit, so fences should ideally be placed one to three feet away.
If you have a picket fence, make sure that the gaps between the slats are wide enough to allow airflow but still small enough to keep your pet contained. If you’re thinking about fencing in the entire unit, use metal mesh instead of solid boards.

Vacuum Your Home Regularly

Regular and consistent vacuuming is an effective way to improve indoor air quality and to extend the life of your HVAC filter. Vacuum twice a week to pick up pet hair, dander, and other allergens from carpets and furniture.

Change Your Filters Often

When it comes to pet hair in HVAC units, the best way to keep them clean is to change the filter regularly. Change it as soon as it gets dirty, and monitor when you need to do this more frequently (during your pet’s shedding season).

Air filters are rated by MERV, or the minimum efficiency reporting value, which measures the efficiency of a filter based on how much it traps. Most modern homes use filters between MERV 5 and 8; for those with allergies, higher ratings such as 10–12 can be more effective in preventing allergens from entering your home’s air.

This is because they can trap smaller particles like pet dander, ensuring that the HVAC unit is not filled with dust.

You can also add an additional purifier or central air cleaner to reduce the amount of pet hair and dander that get stuck in your system. These measures will ensure that your HVAC unit runs efficiently and effectively.

Think About Duct Cleaning

Pet hair and dander can collect in the ductwork throughout your home and recirculate into the air, leading to poor indoor air quality.

DIY maintenance, such as vacuuming the floor vents and registers, can help minimize buildup, but a professional duct cleaning every two to four years is recommended for optimal results. Professional cleanings solve the problem and ensure excess hair isn’t circulating through your HVAC system.

Keep Up With Your Annual Maintenance

Regular HVAC maintenance is essential when you have a pet at home. An inspection and tune-up twice a year should be part of your regular maintenance schedule. 

Make sure to mention that you have a pet when scheduling maintenance and that your technician checks the indoor and outdoor units for pet hair buildup. The more information our experts have, the better we can keep your system running smoothly.

We’re The Best HVAC Repair Company In Town And We’re Ready To Help

Need some help maintaining your HVAC system? Our experts can help. At Innovative Air, we help pet owners in Westchester County keep their heating and cooling systems operating smoothly – with a proven and precise process. 

We offer honest solutions, clear communication with certified technicians, and up-front pricing. We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality service. Connect with us today for a free consultation.