Across the country (and internationally), millions of people are pet owners. The love and affection from our furry companions are as beneficial as enjoyable. Our pets also provide an unlimited supply of fur.
Pet hair results from when we pet our dogs or cats or even when we clean up after our hamsters or brush our bunnies. As you walk across the carpet or sit on your couch, you can bet the fur gets in the air, just like dust. It drifts down with the dust, flies up when you walk, or even when you just sit on the couch.
Your air conditioner or furnace, known as an HVAC system, takes in air from the outside and uses it to cool or heat your home. The system does not require constant supervision. It does not need to be turned on and off by hand. Instead, it automatically adjusts according to your home’s temperature needs.
The system is set up to run on a schedule. The system uses your home’s existing ductwork, which carries the air through your home. This ductwork can get filled with some problems. Your home may have a buildup of dust, pet hair, and even insects. Your HVAC system works to keep your home comfortable, but if it is not working properly, it may not be able to do so.
Of course, all that pet hair floating around can easily get into your HVAC system and affect your home’s air quality.
Essential HVAC Maintenance Tips For Pet Owners
Today, let’s explore what every pet owner should know about the HVAC system. Here is your essential guide!
Brush Your Pet Regularly
Any pet owner can tell you that pet hair is like a magnet to dust. As your pet walks through your house, it sheds hair constantly. If you cannot control your pet’s hair through brushing or bathing, you will see a lot of pet hair in your house.
Brush your pet regularly. This will help prevent excess shedding and reduce the amount of pet hair in your home. If your pets are allowed outdoors, brush them before letting them back in the house.
Change Air Filters More Frequently
As pet hair and dust build up in your HVAC system, it can block airflow. The system has to work harder to cool or heat your home. This is one of the main causes of an HVAC system breakdown. The system simply does not have the strength to keep up with the demand for clean air.
Be sure to change your air filters regularly. If you have pets, then you should change your air filters often. A higher-quality air filter might be an excellent long-term investment to save you from using your HVAC system more often.
Match Filters to the Shed Rate
Many people do not realize that a standard air filter cannot effectively trap all the pet hair in their homes. Pet hair is different from dust; an ordinary filter will not stop it. For this reason, it’s essential to choose an air filter designed to stop pet hair and other allergens.
To stop pet dander and hair, you should look for a medium-efficiency air filter to trap all allergens, including pet hair. You should purchase a filter to match your pet’s hair-shedding rate for optimal results.
Increase Your Air Filter Quality
Regarding air filters, the higher the quality, the better your HVAC system will last longer and be more efficient if you increase your air filter quality. You should choose high-quality filters designed to filter pet hair from the air.
Another benefit to increasing your air filter quality is improving your home’s air quality. High-quality air filters trap pollen, dust, pet hair, and other allergens in the air. This is ultimately better for your health. Allergy and asthma sufferers will find that they can breathe better and live more comfortably in their homes when high-quality air filters and air purifiers are used.
Build a Fence Around Your Outdoor Air Conditioner
If your HVAC system comes from your furnace or refrigerator, it is probably not easily accessible. However, if you have an outdoor unit, you can easily place a fence around it to keep pests away from the unit, such as cats and dogs.
The best fence for you will depend on your outdoor unit. If you have a condenser unit, you may want to consider a fence designed to protect outdoor units. There are many styles of fences. Some are designed as small fences, while others are designed to blend into the landscape.
A fence may not be necessary if you have a more powerful system, such as a compressor unit. The device is powerful and can easily help your home stay cool even when something is in its way.
Vacuum and Edge the House Regularly
While vacuuming your house will not keep pet hair at bay, it can help keep your HVAC system clean. Vacuuming your home regularly and edging the place before you start can reduce the amount of pet hair and other allergens in your HVAC system.
Pet dander is a common allergen. Take the time to vacuum, edge, and clean your home. You will prevent dust, pet hair, and other allergens from entering your HVAC system. The cleaner your house stays, the better your HVAC system will be able to work.
These are some ways to keep your pet hair from accumulating in your HVAC system and the surrounding ductwork. Over time, your ductwork can become filled with unwanted and unnecessary debris. This debris can cause your HVAC system to work too hard to keep heat and air quality consistent in your home.
The Bottom Line
As a pet owner, you know that a house with pets is a lot of fun. However, you may not realize that it can greatly impact your home’s air quality. If you are considering getting a pet, or if you already have one, then you should consider how they can affect your HVAC system.
Always be sure to limit the amount of dog, cat hair, or other allergens in your home. Keeping your home clean will ensure that your HVAC system is working at its best.
If you are looking for the best AC service, we can help you. HVAC Swami is a small group of HVAC Experts with over 100 years of combined experience in every state in the United States, Canada, and the U.K. Our Mission is to help homeowners find the most up-to-date information on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and give the best advice on the internet and great product recommendations. Contact us today to learn more and get started!
