Did you know? Having pets can put extra strain on your HVAC system. There are ways you can minimize and prevent this extra strain on your system and we’ve got those tips right here for you. Whether you have dogs or cats or both, these tips will help you make sure your HVAC system gets the proper maintenance to keep running smoothly for years to come. Let’s dive in to HVAC maintenance tips for pet owners!
1. Change your air filter – Check your air filter every two weeks. When it looks dirty, change it out. Make a note of when it was changed so you can see a pattern in how often your filter needs changed based on the number of pets you have and the dander and fur they give off. As a general rule of thumb, most pet owners end up needing to change their filter monthly as part of regular HVAC maintenance.
2. Clean vents and intakes – Keep vents and intakes cleaned and clear of hairy build-up. The less fur and dander that gets sucked into the system, the better your system will operate and the less you’ll need to take deeper cleaning measures such as duct cleaning.
3. Clean the ducts – Pet hair and dander can collect in your air ducts where it can eventually get recirculated into the air you breathe. Regular professional duct cleanings clear out built up pet hair and dander to keep your indoor air cleaner.
4. Get an air purifier – Having an air purifier added to your HVAC system can help pull pet hair and dander out of the air as it cycles through your HVAC system. It improves the quality of your indoor air by cleaning the dander and fur from your air before it gets recycled back into your home. Just make sure to perform regular cleaning and maintenance on the air purifier per manufacturer’s instructions to keep it running efficiently.
5. Bathe and groom your pet – Keeping your pet brushed, bathed and well-groomed helps prevent their fur and dander from becoming an issue to begin with. Added bonus: It helps keep your pet comfortable while cutting down on the pet hair and dander in your home.
6. Keep up with regular HVAC maintenance – Keep up with a regular schedule of professional HVAC maintenance – ideally twice per year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Keeping up with a regular professional maintenance schedule for your HVAC helps keep it clean and inspected for any issues that might arise. Regular maintenance can also help catch small problems before they become major breakdowns.
If you have pets, a little bit of extra attention to your HVAC maintenance can go a long way in keeping your indoor air quality cleaner and helping your system run as efficiently as possible. We all love our pets and taking these few simple steps can help minimize any impact their fur and dander has on your HVAC system. That’s cool!