If you are a proud pet owner, surely you know how pets bring extra love and joy to the family. But they also bring a little extra work to the table! We are firm believers that pets make wonderful additions to the family. However, owning a pet requires a lot of maintenance in many aspects. Have you ever thought about the impact having a pet may have on your HVAC system? It’s essential to be aware of the effects pet fur and dander can have on your residential HVAC system. So join Grove City Heating & Air as we go over several points that can help you as a pet and homeowner.
How Does Changing Your Air Filters Help with Airflow & Pet Hair?
We will never tire of stressing the importance of air filters. This is because air filters play an important role! Their purpose is to remove free-floating particles and airborne pollutants from the air inside your home. When an air filter can perform its job properly, it keeps the indoor air quality inside your home at a healthy level. But if an air filter is unchanged and left to build up, it will become clogged, reduce the air quality, and potentially cause problems for your HVAC system. So how does this apply to your pet? Pet fur and dander are notorious culprits behind clogging up air filters. Generally, the rule of thumb is to replace air filters every 1-2 months. But if you have a pet, especially multiple pets in your home, you should check your air filters more often.
How Can You Protect Your Heating Unit?
If your furnace is in an unenclosed area (usually a basement), it would be best to use a barrier around the unit to protect your pet and your HVAC system. The last thing you want is your pet to get too close to the pilot light, which can compromise their safety. In addition, you should keep this area clear of pet fur and dust buildup. Otherwise, it can be considered a fire hazard. So make sure to keep the area around the furnace regularly swept or vacuumed.
How Can You Protect Your Cooling Unit?
Your cooling unit is the big metal box located outside. It is typically found in your backyard or the side of your house. If the outdoor unit is located in a place that your pet may have access to, it would be wise to consider enclosing the area to protect your HVAC system and your beloved pet. This is especially crucial if you have a territorial dog who likes to relieve himself on the side of objects. You can enclose this area by using a picket fence or chicken wire as a barrier.
How Can You Minimize Your Pet’s Shedding of Fur & Dander?
Lastly, the best thing you can do for your HVAC system is enable it to do its job correctly. You can protect your HVAC system by minimizing shedding as much as possible.
- Groom Your Pet- Regularly brush your pet to reduce the shedding of stray fur and loose dander. As a plus, this gains you some extra one-on-one time with your pet!
- Vacuum & Sweep- Make sure to include frequent vacuuming and sweeping in your normal routine. Doing this will make a significant difference in stopping dander and hair from accumulating.
- Dust Frequently- Fur and dander float freely around the house. Those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies are no exception. So be sure to perform a thorough dusting of the entire house. Don’t forget about your vents and register too. Dust and pet fur can quickly build up on top of vent grates and in between the slats.
Pet fur and dander can lead to various HVAC concerns. It can negatively affect air quality and cause airflow blockage and other system issues. Keep in mind that consistent preventative maintenance will keep your system running properly. Embark on your HVAC journey with Grove City Heating & Air! We are a local service professional you can count on! You can reach us at (614) 490-7540 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
