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HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

By August 4, 2016April 1st, 2023No Comments

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

As pet owners, we all know the joys our furry family members bring into our lives. They are always there for us, they love us unconditionally, and they entertain us daily. What you may not be thinking about is how your pets are affecting your HVAC system.

How your pets are affecting your HVAC

  • Pet hair: If your pet has fur, changing your air filters is a must! Your system sucks up air and with it, your pets fur. Over time, the fur will clog your air filters making your system run less efficiently.
  • Pet dander: With hair comes dander. According to American Lung Association “pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by animals with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.” If you don’t replace your filters and keep ductwork clean, your family could be breathing in your pet’s dander.
  • Dirt: Every day our pets bring dirt inside our home. When we take them for walks, dirt gets caught in their fur and paws. Or if you let your dog roam around the yard, he’s probably rolling around in the dirt and bringing it back inside. Dirt can get stuck in your filter making it hard for it to run properly. Purchasing the right size filter is important. You may want to consider purchasing a filter that has extra fabric around the edges. This will stop anything from getting around the air filter.
  • Claws/teeth: If you have a dog you know they like to dig. Some dogs will dig at or chew on hard surfaces. If your furry friend gets bored in the yard he might decide to take a crack at your HVAC equipment. This can not only damage your equipment but also injure the dog. Putting a small fence and protecting electrical wires around your system is a good idea to keep pets from messing with your system. Just make sure the fence is at least two feet from the unit to allow proper airflow!
  • Bathroom breaks: If you have a dog that stops to urinate on everything it walks by, you may want to protect your HVAC. If he’s marking your HVAC as his daily the condenser will begin to degrade and you could lose refrigerant. This is another good reason to put a fence around your system.

Maintenance Checklist

  • Schedule regular maintenance check ups
  • Change air filters often
  • Purchase filters with extra fabric around the edges
  • Put a barrier around your system
  • Protect electric lines

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