A Pet Owner’s Guide to HVAC Maintenance
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts
According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million families own a pet. The majority of these family members are cats, dogs and other animals who tend to shed or spread dander in their homes. While it’s a joy to care for a family pet, a few additional steps are necessary to ensure your HVAC system continues to run smoothly. Here are seven tips to follow for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Swap Out or Clean Your Air Filter Consistently
Indoor air quality depends on the working condition of your air filter since it pulls dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. When you have pets, you might have to replace filters more frequently.
“It starts with keeping an eye on how the filter is doing,” said Jim Hughes, Director of Field Training with Service Experts, one of the nation’s largest HVAC service and repair companies. “For instance, if you have a filter that’s expected to last 90 days, you may want to consider replacing it each month. With pets, a filter gets dirty fast, especially when your HVAC system runs most often.”
2. Look into Upgrading Your Air Filter
You should also think about getting a higher-rated air filter. Check the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to learn the smallest particle size your air filter will trap. For residential use, the ideal MERV rating ranges from five to 13, where higher numbers mean better filtration. It’s advisable to use a nine or higher to trap dander effectively, Hughes added. A few pet owners sometimes upgrade to a more advanced whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Keep the AC’s Condenser in the Best Possible Shape
The AC unit, especially the outdoor unit, 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 throughout the year. While it doesn’t happen often, pets may use the outdoor unit as a place to urinate, and if they are near it on a regular basis, hair or fur can collect on the coils.
“The urine’s acidity will corrode the air conditioner’s coils and may even cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And too much hair in the condenser will reduce system efficiency.” If needed, add a small fence around your outdoor unit, but make sure airflow isn’t blocked, Hughes suggested.
4. Maintain a Regular Grooming Schedule for Your Pet
If you brush your pet often, you’ll reduce the amount of hair clogging your vents. “I suggest using a vacuum brush to get rid of extra hair from their pets. That way you aren’t dispersing the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes added.
5. Increase How Often You Vacuum and Clean Return Vents
Vacuuming more often can limit the amount of hair and dander getting into your HVAC system. While you have the vacuum out, vacuum the return air vents as well. The return vent system varies according to your home’s layout. Regardless, your home will always have return and supply vents. Return air vents pull in air and then filter and redistribute it throughout your home using the supply air vents, so some extra vacuuming is an extra way to minimize unwanted dust, dander and hair.
6. Schedule a Maintenance Call Every Six Months
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician every six months to make sure everything is working properly, especially if you are a pet owner. When the technician comes to your home, it’s a good idea to ask them about additional steps you can take to maintain your system’s overall efficiency.
“The technician is an extra set of eyes for you to assess the effects of pets on your system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is an opportunity to develop a valuable partnership that ensures a longer-lasting HVAC system.”
Consider Air Duct Cleaning
If the air filter gets clogged, pollutants and allergens can leak into the ducts, causing more trouble with your home’s air quality. If pet hair and dander still isn’t under control, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.
“I know some pet owners who schedule duct cleanings every few years. For pet owners, it can be a smart investment,” Hughes said.
To find out more about maintaining indoor air quality with pets, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or request a professional HVAC tune-up today.
