Essential HVAC Maintenance Advice for Pet Owners

By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts

According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million households have one or more pets. Most of these family members are dogs, cats and other furry friends who can shed or spread dander in their homes. While it’s a joy to have a dog or cat, you should take a few extra measures to maintain your HVAC system. Here are seven tips to follow for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:

1. Replace Your Air Filter Frequently

Indoor air quality hinges on the working condition of your air filter since it pulls dust, dander and many other airborne particles from the air. If you own pets, you might need to replace it sooner.

“It starts with keeping an eye on how the filter is doing,” 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 expected to last 90 days, you might want to consider replacing it each month. Pets can clog up the air filter much faster, particularly during shedding seasons.”

2. Consider Upgrading Your System’s Air Filter

You may also look into getting a better air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to know the smallest particles your filter can capture. For residential use, the ideal MERV rating ranges from five to 13, with higher numbers providing better filtration. It’s advisable to use a nine or higher to capture dander well, Hughes added. Many pet owners also choose a higher-end whole home ventilation and air purification system.

3. Keep the AC’s Condenser in the Best Possible Shape

The AC unit, especially the outdoor cabinet, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. AC condensers have coils/heat exchangers that collect their share of dirt and debris throughout the year.  While it doesn’t happen often, pets may urinate on the outdoor unit, and if they are near it on a regular basis, fur or hair could be pulled into the system, clogging the coils. 

“The urine’s acidity might corrode the air conditioner’s coils and may even cause a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And if there’s a lot of hair in the condenser, it will reduce system efficiency.” If required, place a fence or other barrier around the unit, but ensure airflow remains unobstructed, Hughes suggested. 

4. Keep up with Your Pet’s Grooming

By brushing your cat or dog regularly, you’ll reduce the amount of hair clogging your vents. “I recommend people use 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. Increase How Often You Vacuum and Clean Return Vents

Vacuuming more often will decrease the amount of hair and dander making its way into your system. While you’re already vacuuming, vacuum the return air vents as well. The return vent system varies according to your home’s layout. Regardless, 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 more vacuuming is an extra way to minimize unwanted dust, hair and animal dander.

6. Get an HVAC Checkup Biannually

Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician every six months to ensure everything is running its best, and this is doubly so for homes with pets. As the HVAC specialist arrives, it’s a good idea to ask them about other preventive steps to take for your system to run more efficiently.

“The technician is an additional Expert to help you to assess the effects of pets on your system,” Hughes said. “A tune-up is a chance to build an important relationship that ensures a longer-lasting HVAC system.” 

Look into Professional Air Duct Cleaning 

If the air filter gets clogged, contaminants and allergens can reach the duct system, causing more trouble with your home’s air quality. If pet hair and dander still isn’t under control, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.

“I know some pet owners who schedule duct cleanings every few years. It can be well worth the investment whenever pets are involved,” Hughes said. 

To find out more about keeping indoor air quality high as a pet owner, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance call today.