Whether it’s a strapping German Shepherd or an adorable little hamster, our pets are part of the family. They live alongside us in our homes and sharing the space can come with some challenges. For example, if your pet is one that sheds fur and dander, this can be difficult for human roommates with allergies.
On the flip-side, unchecked indoor air quality or humidity issues can affect everyone — even the smallest critters. Caring for pets is an important undertaking and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make things comfortable. Here are some HVAC maintenance tips for pet owners.
Keep Them Groomed
Grooming your pet regularly can help reduce the amount of fur floating in your environment. This can dramatically impact indoor air quality and prevent your air filters from being bogged down by pet hair. Additionally, bathing your pet often can reduce the amount of pollen, dirt, dander, and dust on their fur, which can help minimize allergens.
Change Air Filters Often
Without pets, you might get away with changing your air filters ever 60-90 days, but if you have any furry creatures under your roof, switching them up monthly is a better approach. As mentioned pet hair, along with dander, can clog filters and dramatically reduce airflow (and increase energy costs since your HVAC system will be working much harder!).
Upgrading to a HEPA filter can not only improve the air quality in your home, but can also extend the life of your HVAC unit. Speak to a qualified expert who can provide guidance on which one to choose based on your specific needs.
Tidy Up
There are many reasons why keeping your home clean is important for your HVAC (and your wallet!), but it’s even more important if you have pets. Dusting and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can go a long way to reducing the burden on your HVAC and improving air quality.
Almost every pet loves a specific spot in the house so pay extra attention to those areas. Also, you use pet beds, blankets, or pillows, launder these items weekly also.
Clear the Air Ducts & Vents
Think of air ducts as your home’s arteries. They bring warmed or cooled air from your HVAC unit to all areas of the house. Even if you change your filters, groom your pet, and vacuum often, things will still build up and create problems. Having a technician clean your air ducts periodically can make a huge difference.
Also, when you’re cleaning up, don’t forget to give the vents or registers in your home some attention. You can vacuum hair, dust, and other particles from the surface, but also take a damp cloth and give them a good wipe down from time to time.
Watch the Wires and Condenser
Many of our furry friends love to chew on wires, which can be dangerous. Be sure to hide any wire or cords, including those connected to your HVAC system. Not only can this cause serious damage to your unit, your precious pet’s life could be at risk.
While it’s located outside, keep your condenser unit closed and consider adding a fence or small barrier to keep your pet away from it. Not only can pet urine corrode the fins, your four-legged friend could be seriously injured. Better safe than sorry!
Consider Your Pet’s Needs
Just as you would with any new addition to your family, it’s important to keep your pet’s specific needs in mind in terms of the temperature, humidity, and climate inside your home.
- Cats and Dogs — while both will adapt reasonably well to the conditions inside your home, be particularly vigilant during very hot or very cold days. They could use some extra attention.
- Birds — many domesticated birds are actually from tropical areas, meaning they’re accustomed to warmer weather. As such, it’s probably best to avoid putting their birdcage near AC vents in order to keep them comfortable and healthy.
- Reptiles and Amphibians — these pets are ectothermic, so they will rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. As a result, it’s very important to be familiar with what your pet needs in terms of light, heat, and humidity.
Talk to your pet store, veterinarian, and/or HVAC technician to ensure you are doing your best to create a habitat that is hospitable for all members of your family.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
While there are many things you can do yourself, some things are best left to the professionals. Having your HVAC system serviced regularly can help prevent costly repairs. A qualified technician will not only provide the maintenance required to keep your heating and cooling unit working optimally, they may also identify areas of concern before they become big problems!
At W.G. Speeks, all of our technicians are NATE-certified to give you the best customer experience possible. We offer a free consultation to help you get started. Let us help you keep your home comfortable and safe for your whole family — including pets! Call us today to set up an appointment!
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