HVAC Tips For Pet Owners

As a pet owner, it’s always important to take care of your furry little friend. At the same time, though, you also have to consider the way they impact your living space -- and that includes your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system which, in a pet household, likely needs a bit more attention.

Pets of all types can impact the overall function and efficiency of your heating and cooling system in a few key ways. Here are some helpful recommendations.

You hear this a lot when it comes to HVAC system maintenance, and that’s because it is so important — and with pets, it’s even more vital. Pets have dander and fur, both of which can very easily end up in your heating and cooling system. Imagine what happens when your cat lays on a piece of clothing for an hour. There’s a great deal of fur left behind. The same thing happens with your filter; it becomes clogged with fur and dander.

Proper cleaning of filters is a must. You should aim to do this at least once a month while you are using your system.

Do you have a lot of dust throughout your home? Does anyone in your home have allergies? In these and other similar situations, it’s best to install an air purifier or cleaner. Our team can offer recommendations to best suit your needs.

When you have pets, some of the dust you see is pet dander that is moving through your heating and cooling system, into the air ducts and out onto your future. This can be significantly reduced or removed simply by installing an air cleaner, which will help minimize other toxins in the air as well, including mold, dust and other allergens.

Every other year, or more frequently if your technician recommends it, consider an air duct cleaning. The air ducts are areas in which conditioned air from your heating and cooling system moves through the home.

When you have pets, there’s a higher chance of pet dander and fur buildup in these areas -- and that can wind up in your HVAC system. That taxes the system and, over time, reduces its efficiency.

Each year, it is important to have a licensed technician come to your home to handle a thorough cleaning and maintenance check of your HVAC system. This will include handling each of these tasks as well as cleaning and maintaining the actual system itself.

When you use these services, you gain a few key benefits:

• Your system operates more efficiently. A direct result of this is a reduction in your heating and cooling costs all year long.
• Your HVAC system doesn’t work as hard, which helps to lengthen its lifespan so you don’t have to replace it too soon.
• You enjoy cooler or warmer air without having to turn up the thermostat. Your home feels good.
• Less dust and debris from your pets is deposited throughout your home. The air you breathe is healthier, which is especially important for those who have allergies.

Having pets is a wonderful thing -- but don’t let your HVAC system suffer as a result. Proper maintenance and upkeep, paying a bit more attention than you would in a non-pet home, is essential.

Contact our technicians at Choate’s for a comprehensive inspection and maintenance service call. We’ll ensure your pet-friendly home stays happy, healthy and comfortable.