A Pet Owner’s Guide to HVAC Maintenance
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts
Based on the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million families have one or more pets. Most of these cuddly family members are cats, dogs and other animals who will 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 keep your HVAC system running properly. Start with these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:
1. Swap Out or Clean Your Air Filter Consistently
The quality of your indoor air hinges on the state of your air filter because it filters dust, dander and many other airborne particles from the air. When you have pets, you may have to replace filters more frequently.
“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. “If you, for example, have a filter that’s rated to last three months, you may want to check it every month. Pets can clog up the air filter much faster, particularly during heavy-use seasons.”
2. Think About Upgrading Your Air Filter
You should also consider a higher quality air filter. Look for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to see the smallest particle size your air filter will trap. For residential use, the ideal MERV rating ranges from five to 13, where higher numbers mean better filtration. You should aim for a nine or above to trap dander effectively, Hughes added. A few pet owners sometimes upgrade to a higher-end whole home ventilation and air purification system.
3. Don’t Let the Air Conditioner’s Condenser Break Down
The AC unit, especially the outdoor unit, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have coils or heat exchangers that collect their share of dirt and debris throughout the year. While it doesn’t happen often, some pets even urinate on outdoor units, and if they are near it on a regular basis, their fur may get pulled into the coils and clog them up.
“The acid from pet urine will corrode the air conditioner’s coils and possibly lead to a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And too much hair in the condenser will start to affect system efficiency.” If needed, place a fence or other barrier around the unit, but ensure airflow remains unobstructed, Hughes suggests.
4. Groom Your Pet Regularly
When you brush your pet often enough, you’ll reduce the amount of hair clogging your vents. “I suggest using a vacuum brush to pull off as much fur as they can from their pets. That way you avoid spreading the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes added.
5. Clean Return Air Vents and Stay on Top of Vacuuming
Vacuuming more often will limit the amount of hair and dander getting into your HVAC system. While you’re vacuuming, it’s also a good idea to vacuum the return air vents. The placement of return air vents will vary depending on how your home was designed. But your home will always have return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents draw in air and then clean and circulate it back into every room using the supply air vents, so some extra vacuuming is an extra way to minimize unwanted dust, hair and animal dander.
6. Schedule a Maintenance Call Every Six Months
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician every six months to make sure everything is working properly, especially if you are a pet owner. Once the technician visits, ask if there are additional steps you can take for your system to run more efficiently.
“The visiting technician is an extra set of eyes for you to assess the effects of pets on your system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is the perfect time to establish a beneficial relationship that ensures a longer-lasting HVAC system.”
Look into Professional Air Duct Cleaning
When your HVAC system’s air filters become clogged, pollutants and allergens can reach the duct system, causing more trouble with your home’s air quality. If you are concerned that pet hair and dander aren’t under control, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.
“I know some pet owners who have their duct work cleaned every few years. It can be well worth the investment whenever pets are involved,” Hughes said.
To get all the details about maintaining indoor air quality with pets, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance tune-up today.
