Having one or more pets can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be a great deal of work, and there are a number of things that we have to do every day to keep our furry friends happy and healthy. Having an HVAC system in your home is a great way to keep you, your family, and your pets comfortable all year round, but this can also require some thought. Having pets can affect certain aspects of your HVAC system that you may not be aware of, and this brief guide should help.
The Presence of Airborne Particulates
A modern HVAC system will circulate treated air throughout your home via the ductwork. Any small or loose pieces or particles of material can be gathered by this process and circulated into the HVAC system. When you have pets any hair, fur, or skin that they shed will be scattered in smaller particles throughout your home. Cleaning regularly helps, but even the most houseproud and diligent cleaner cannot catch every tiny particle of this material. Eventually, this material will end up in the HVAC air filter, and this can affect the performance and efficiency.
Check, Clean and Replace Air Filters
Most manufacturers recommend that the air filters fitted in their HVAC systems are checked every month. If you have one or more pets, it’s a good idea to check your air filter more often as it’s more prone to becoming blocked with pet related particles or hair. When an air filter becomes clogged with material, the airflow is compromised, and this can force your HVAC system to work harder than it should. Eventually, this could lead to an unnecessary repair or even a replacement of one or more components.
Many HVAC systems now have a washable air filter that you can slide out of the unit, scrape off the material, and then wash the filter in warm soapy water. This type of air filter must be completely dry before you replace it and turn the HVAC system back on.
Other HVAC systems may have a disposable air filter that you slide out, throw away, and then slide a fresh filter into the unit. If you have pets and you’re replacing air filters more often this will cost more, and you may want to switch to a washable air filter if possible. It is possible to save money on disposable air filters by buying in bulk online or from big box stores.
It’s important to get the exact same model number for your air filter to ensure that it fits snugly into the unit. If the air filter is the wrong size or it isn’t correctly seated, there will be gaps around the filter where air can pass freely. This defeats the object of having an air filter, and the particles in the air will be distributed throughout the home in the treated air. The people in the home will be breathing in pet dander that can trigger an allergic reaction or exacerbate a pre-existing respiratory condition. If you need advice on the right type of air filter to install in your HVAC system contact a local professional for expert help and advice.
Establish a Regular Cleaning Routine
One of the best ways to avoid clogging the HVAC air filter is to clean your home regularly. This will help you to gather up the pet dander, hair, skin cells, and other materials before they can even reach your air filter. As we mentioned above, it’s not likely that you will catch every particle, but you can significantly decrease the material that will otherwise end up trapped in your air filter. Using a simple, lightweight, or cordless vacuum once each day for 15 minutes can remove an impressive amount of pet related hair and other materials.
Cleaning Your Ductwork
Over time the interior of your ductwork will become increasingly dirty as particulates circulate through them. If you have one or more pets in your home, this process is likely to occur faster because of the extra material. If you look in your vents, you may be able to see if they need cleaning and reach in to give them a wipe clean. But, a great deal of the ductwork will be harder to reach and cleaning it will be impossible without special tools and experience. Contact your local HVAC company and ask them about evaluating and cleaning your ductwork. Many people notice that their indoor air is fresher and cleaner after their ducts have been professionally cleaned.
Regular Pet Brushing and Bathing
Another key method to controlling the amount of pet dander and hair in your home is to collect it directly off your pet. This will catch the material before it’s scattered around the home, and it will make your home cleaning easier. The pet should be brushed regularly with a brush that is designed for their coat, and this is a fun bonding experience. Most pets love to be brushed once they get used to the process, and their coats will look healthy and shiny afterward. As far as bathing goes, you will need to do a little research before you establish a regular bathing routine. Bathing some pets too often can remove oils from their coat that they need and it’s a good idea to get some expert advice. As an alternative, you can always arrange a trip to the pet groomer each month to get a full bathing, clipping, and grooming experience outside your home.
Protect the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit should be protected if you allow your pets to go outdoors unattended. A simple fence should be enough to prevent them from becoming too curious about your expensive cooling and heating equipment. A pet will be safe around an outdoor HVAC unit, but if the gnaw, claw or chew on a cable they could be hurt, and the equipment could be damaged.
Comfortable Pet Temperatures
If your pets are at home alone, you might want to set the thermostat to around 72ºF all year round. This is a safe and comfortable temperature for a pet, but you can alter this range if desired. If you set the temperature to a maximum of 80º in summer and 65º in winter, your pets will still be happy, and you can save money on your energy bills.