Our pets are beloved members of our families, but the truth is, they can have a serious impact on your indoor air quality. Pet dander is an allergen for many people, and though our furry friends don’t mean any harm, you may find yourself sneezing or wheezing when your HVAC system isn’t well maintained. You always try your best to keep your home a healthy place for your family, so here are some great tips that pet owners can use to keep their HVAC system in top shape.
1. Pet Owners Should Change Air Filters Often
Your filter is your HVAC system’s first line of defense. Air filters keep dust, hair, dander, and other contaminants out of your HVAC system. Thus, it’s important to change them often. Using high-quality filters will remove the most debris from your home, but even the highest-quality HEPA filters can take a beating when you have a few furry friends living with you. Changing your filters once every month or two is a great idea for pet owners.
2. Clean Your Vents Often
Cleaning your vents regularly can help airflow and will improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Wipe down and vacuum intake vents whenever you’re cleaning. Pets notoriously like to lay on floor vents because they may blow comfortably cool or warm air. Take off the vent covers when your HVAC system is turned off, and clean them with a duster to make sure that both the inside and the outside of the vents stay clean.
3. Keep Your Ducts Clean
Even when you work to keep your vents clean and your air filters fresh, some particles may make their way through your defenses. Many of these contaminants will end up in your ductwork and will build up over time. This means that your entire HVAC system will likely run less efficiently. But you can and should get your ducts professionally cleaned. When you call in a professional to inspect and help maintain your HVAC system, think about having your ducts cleaned out as well. Though you can try to clean your ducts yourself, the pros have special equipment to get to all the hard-to-reach places.
4. Keep Your Home and Pets Clean
Grooming your pets often and well means that there will be less hair, dander, and other contaminants, and it will also help keep your pet healthy and happy! If your pets go outside, give them a quick wipe down before they come in. Pollen, dust, and dirt may stick to their fur and be brought into your home unintentionally. Brush your pets often and give them baths when necessary. In addition, it’s helpful for pet owners to vacuum and dust to keep contaminants to a minimum. Keeping your pets and home clean means that fewer particles will enter your HVAC system.
5. Don’t Let Pets Near Your Outdoor Unit
Pets get curious about things they find outside, which can lead to chewing or pawing at your outdoor air conditioning unit. Never leave your pets unattended outside, and don’t let them near your outdoor unit. This can help keep destructive pets from causing damage from teeth, claws, or urine. HVAC professionals can even help you choose an enclosure for your unit for added protection.
Find More HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners
We love our pets, even when they’re hairy, dirty, or full of dander. This is why it’s so important for pet owners to keep their HVAC systems clean and well maintained. Coastal Mechanical Contractors keeps your HVAC system in top shape so you’ll have fewer expensive repairs in the future. Contact us today to learn more tips or schedule a maintenance appointment.