What Can Animal Hair Do to My AC Filter?

Pets are an important part of many people’s lives. To be honest, our pets are usually considered a beloved member of the family and we want to keep them well-cared for.

Annoyingly, pet hair can adversely affect your air conditioning system. With proper maintenance, you can avoid impacting airflow and protect your cooling system from harm.

How Do AC Air Filters Work, and Why Are They Important?

Air filters are one of the most important parts of any forced-air HVAC system. Your air filter captures airborne contaminants, such as dust, pollen and pet hair, preventing these contaminants from circulating in your home. There is lots of variety in the materials they use to accomplish this, including fiberglass, pleated and electrostatic. Your filter’s effectiveness can be illustrated with its minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which could be anywhere from 1 to 20, with higher ratings illustrating maximum efficiency.

Your filter is primarily responsible for protecting the evaporator coil, blower motor and other delicate hardware from dirt and debris that could cause damage. At sufficient efficiency, the air filter also improves indoor air quality by reducing particulates in the air, which often contribute to allergies, asthma attacks and other breathing problems.

How Can Pet Hair Impact an HVAC System’s Air Filter?

When pets shed, their hair becomes airborne and may gradually reach the HVAC system through the return air ducts. If there isn’t a filter in place, pet hair accumulates within the evaporator coil, blower motor, fan blades and other components, slowing them down and reducing efficiency. Hair can also encourage clogs if it interacts with the moisture inside your cooling, creating a breeding ground for microorganisms, which can produce foul odors and lower indoor air quality.

Even with a filter in place, pet hair isn’t harmless. When return airflow draws it toward the HVAC system, the filter traps the hair and prevents it from landing on vulnerable cooling components. At the same time, this quickly clogs the filter up, decreasing airflow and increasing strain on the HVAC system. Without intervention, higher energy bills and more repair visits could be likely.

What About Animal Dander?

Pet dander, made up of tiny skin flakes and saliva particles, commonly exacerbates respiratory problems in people with allergies or asthma. You need a filter with a high MERV rating to effectively capture and remove dander, which is much smaller than pet hair.

How to Care for Your AC System and Filter with Pets

Maintaining an efficient, properly functioning air conditioner is certainly possible, even with pets living in your home. Here’s how:

• Stick to a regular schedule when cleaning or replacing the filter: Depending on the number of pets and the filter’s specific design, you may need a new filter every 30 to 90 days. Check it every month and replace it if you notice weaker airflow or can see evidence of a clog.

• Keep ventilation clear: Pet hair gradually piles up against the air registers and grilles, limiting circulation. Clean these with the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner as often as needed. Then, call a professional for cleaning out the collected pet hair, dander and dust in the air ducts every few years.
• Groom your pets: Regular brushing and bathing reduces the hair and dander your pets generate. Keep the brushing outdoors and sweep the area after you’ve finished to keep any hair from getting back inside.
• Consistently vacuum and dust: Not all pet hair ends up in the HVAC system. A lot of it settles on surfaces around the house. Proper cleaning should include vacuuming, sweeping, dusting and laundering your pet’s bedding.
• Clear the area around the outdoor unit: Central air conditioning systems come with an outdoor unit fixed to a concrete slab somewhere along an exterior wall of the home. Clear away any accumulated debris, like pet hair, grass clippings, dead leaves, and other forms of yard waste. This encourages normal heat transfer for more efficient operation.
• Don’t ignore preventive maintenance: Ideally, your local HVAC professional will inspect and maintain the air conditioner annually, preferably in the spring. They’ll know how to find and resolve any small issues, clean internal components and offer tips to keep your air conditioner running efficiently with pets.

Contact for Indoor Air Quality Services

When you’re tired of excess pet hair affecting your HVAC system and indoor air quality, consider for personalized recommendations on the best solution. We sell and service many quality indoor air quality products to help keep pet hair and dander at bay, such as advanced air filtration, whole-house ventilation and air duct cleaning. We can also maintain your HVAC system for maximum performance and efficiency. You can rest easy with the knowledge that everything we do is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To request indoor air quality services in Fort Lauderdale, please contact today.