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 households own a pet. Most of these beloved pets are dogs, cats and other furry creatures who tend to shed or release dander into their homes. While it’s a joy 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
Indoor air quality depends on the state of your air filter since it removes dust, dander and allergens from the air. When you have pets, you might need to change filters more often.
“It starts with checking the filter more regularly,” 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 rated to last three months, you might want to consider replacing it each month. Pets can clog up the air filter much faster, especially when your HVAC system runs most often.”
2. Look into Upgrading Your Air Filter
You may also think about getting a higher-rated air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to see 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 trap dander effectively, Hughes added. Many pet owners also choose a more advanced whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Protect Your Air Conditioning’s Condenser
Your air conditioning system, particularly the part of the system that’s outdoors, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have coils or heat exchangers that can slowly accumulate dirt and debris each year. While it doesn’t happen often, some pets even urinate on outdoor units, and if they are around it often enough, hair or fur can collect on the coils.
“The acid from pet urine will corrode the air conditioner’s coils and potentially cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And too much hair in the condenser will start to affect system efficiency.” If necessary, place a fence or other barrier around the unit, but be sure not to block or restrict airflow, Hughes suggested.
4. Keep up with Your Pet’s Grooming
When you brush your pet often enough, less hair will enter your HVAC system. “I tend to suggest pet owners use a vacuum brush to pull off as much fur as they can from their pets. This way you avoid spreading the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes said.
5. Clean Return Air Vents and Stay on Top of Vacuuming
Running the vacuum more often can limit the amount of hair and dander making its way into your system. While you’re vacuuming, vacuum the return air vents as well. The placement of return air vents will vary based on your home’s design. But every home has return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents draw in air and then clean and circulate it across your home via the supply vents, so some extra vacuuming is an extra way to minimize unwanted dust, pet hair and more.
6. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up Twice a Year
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician twice a year to make sure everything is working properly, and this is doubly so for homes with pets. When the technician visits, it’s a good idea to ask them about any extra precautions you can take for your system to run more efficiently.
“The technician is an extra set of eyes for you to see how your pets are impacting the system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is the perfect time to establish a beneficial relationship that supports the long-term health of your HVAC system.”
Look into Professional Air Duct Cleaning
Once your air filters are 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 couple of years. Duct cleaning can be a longer-lasting solution for pet owners,” Hughes said.
To learn more about maintaining indoor air quality with pets, go to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance tune-up today.
