If you have a furry member of the family, it’s likely that you wouldn’t part with them under virtually any circumstances. But, pets do create a lot of mess, and this is especially noticeable when it comes to pet hair and dander. This material can be seen on surfaces, but it also circulates in the air, where it can trigger allergic reactions. Pet hair and dander can even lower the efficiency of your HVAC system, and in extreme cases, it can cause serious damage. In this article, we will show your seven essential HVAC maintenance tips for dedicated pet owners.
The Importance of Preventative Maintenance
Before we begin, let’s talk a little about the importance of preventative maintenance for your HVAC system. There’s no getting around it, an HVAC system is a significant investment in your home comfort, and it makes good sense to take care of it. A well maintained system will perform better, the energy efficiency will be optimized, and it will be less prone to failures. Regular maintenance can even extend the useful lifespan of the system, and this means that you can delay a big purchase for an extra few years. Adopting a proactive approach pays off over the lifespan of the system. We recommend an HVAC system checkup before the start of each heating and cooling system.
- Regular HVAC Filter Checks
When you have pets shedding hair indoors, that material circulates in the air, and a great deal of it ends up in the air filter. Many people think that their HVAC air filter is designed to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ), But, this is a secondary function. A standard air filter will not remove very small contaminants. The main function of an air filter is to prevent particulates from entering the system and damaging sensitive components. If you take a look at the surface of your air filter, you may notice that it’s covered in pet hair and dander. The HVAC system relies on the airflow through the filter to avoid overheating issues due to overworked equipment. It’s advisable to check, clean, or replace your filter at the start of each month. But, if you have multiple pets and you find the filter clogging more often, you should be checking the filter more frequently.
- Regular Cleaning
If you want to keep the pet hair out of the HVAC filter, it’s a good idea to vacuum regularly. If you have a lot of pets, you may want to vacuum every day or at least every other day to keep the pet hair under control. Over time you may notice that your regular cleaning efforts are becoming easier because you’re on top of the problem.
- Regular Grooming
Grooming your pets is great fun. It’s a wonderful way to bond with your furry friend, and it helps to keep loose hair out of the air. When you regularly brush, bathe, and stroke your pet, you will be naturally deshedding the loose hair. This will help you to keep the shedding under control, and the level of dander will be significantly reduced. Again, you will reach the point where grooming is easier because you’re removing some pet hair every day.
- Thermostat Adjustments
Human beings tend to like a temperature setting in the higher 60s or lower 70s range. This can vary a great deal depending on the location, humidity level, and personal preferences. But, pets have a different comfort range in the lower to mid 60s during winter, which rises to the lower to mid 70s during the summer months. So, when you’re not at home and your pets are relaxing, you can save money with some thermostat adjustments. Making adjustments in real time is possible with a smart thermostat that you can control from your favorite mobile device. Even a programmable unit will work well if you always get home at the same time. If you want to upgrade your thermostat, speak to your local heating and cooling specialist today.
- Protect the Outdoor Unit
Most AC systems have an indoor and outdoor unit that work together to move heat out of your home. The outdoor unit needs to have at least 12 inches of space around it for the required airflow. But, many pet owners use all their yards for play, and they may even have kennels or other items located near the outdoor unit. It’s a better idea to keep this area completely clear and place a fence around it. This will protect pets against potential injury, ensure easy access for a technician and keep the system running efficiently.
- Professional Duct Cleaning
Another prime location for pet hair, dust, and many other particulates is the air ducts. During a typical day, the air is circulated throughout your home multiple times. The air carries airborne contaminants, and the HVAC filter may not catch everything. When the air ducts are clogged with debris, it will lower the IAQ, and it can exacerbate pre-existing allergies and breathing conditions. The inner surfaces of the ducts may be very dirty, and there could be mold growing there. Many people don’t realize that their air smells stale until they have invested in some professional duct cleaning.
- Upgrade to an Air Purifier System
If you have poor IAQ in your home, it can make the lives of everyone miserable, and that includes your pets. Airborne contaminants, such as pet hair, dander, mold, pollen, skin cells, and more, can trigger allergic reactions. There is no need to suffer; there are air purification systems that can clean and freshen your air. Some air purifiers can be added to an existing system, and there are many models available. Alternatively, you could choose a high efficiency filter for your system, but seek professional advice before you go ahead. An efficient filter will require more power to force the air through, and that can cause other problems.
If you want to make your home a better place for you and your pets, contact your local heating and cooling specialist today. A well maintained HVAC system can save you money and make your indoor air fresher.