Essential HVAC Maintenance Advice for Pet Owners
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts
Based on the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million homes have one or more pets. The majority of these cuddly family members are dogs, cats and other furry creatures who tend to shed or release dander into their homes. While it’s a pleasure to care for a family pet, a few additional steps are necessary to maintain your HVAC system. Follow these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Swap Out or Clean Your Air Filter Consistently
The quality of your indoor air depends on the condition of your air filter since it removes dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. When you have pets, you might have to replace filters more frequently.
“It starts with knowing when to clean or replace the filter,” said Jim Hughes, Director of Field Training with Service Experts, one of the nation’s largest HVAC service and repair companies. “For example, if you have a filter that’s expected to last 90 days, you may want to consider replacing it each month. Filters get clogged more quickly with pets, especially during shedding seasons.”
2. Consider Upgrading Your System’s Air Filter
You may also think about getting a higher-rated air filter. Look for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to learn the smallest particle size your air filter will trap. For residential use, you’ll see filters rated from five to 13, with higher numbers providing better filtration. You should aim for a nine or above to effectively filter out dander, Hughes added. Some pet owners even opt for a high-efficiency whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Keep the AC’s Condenser in the Best Possible Shape
Your air conditioning system, particularly the outdoor unit, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have coils/heat exchangers that gather dirt and other yard debris each year. While it doesn’t happen often, some pets even urinate on outdoor units, and if they are frequently near the unit, their fur may get pulled into the coils and clog them up.
“The acidity in pet urine can actually cause the coils to corrode and potentially cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And if there’s a lot of hair in the condenser, it will start to affect system efficiency.” If needed, place a fence or other barrier around the unit, but ensure airflow remains unobstructed, Hughes suggests.
4. Groom Your Pet Regularly
When you brush your pet often enough, less hair will enter your HVAC system. “I recommend people use a vacuum brush to get rid of extra hair from their pets. This way you aren’t releasing the hair or dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes said.
5. Increase How Often You Vacuum and Clean Return Vents
Running the vacuum more often can limit the amount of hair and dander getting into your HVAC system. As long as you’re already vacuuming, vacuum the return air vents as well. The location of return air vents varies based on your home’s design. But you’ll always find return and supply vents. Return air vents draw in air and then clean and circulate it back into every room using the supply air vents, so some extra vacuuming is another layer of protection against unwanted dust, pet hair and more.
6. Get an HVAC Checkup Biannually
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician two times each year to make sure everything is working properly, particularly for pet owners. When the HVAC specialist arrives, you might want to ask about additional steps you can take to maintain your system’s overall efficiency.
“The technician is another pair of eyes for you to monitor how pets affect your system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is an opportunity to establish a beneficial relationship that supports the long-term health of your HVAC system.”
Explore Duct Cleaning Services
Once your air filters are clogged, contaminants and allergens can make it to the ventilation system, 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 couple of years. It can be well worth the investment whenever pets are involved,” Hughes said.
To learn more about maintaining indoor air quality with pets, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance tune-up today.
