5 Recommendations For AC Maintenance For Pet Owners

We love our pets and will even give them access to our beds, couches, and sometimes even food. This creates a unique set of challenges and requires more than a bit of maintenance. Allergies, shedding, and even pet odor can plague pet owners and their Bay Area homes. So, while we love Fido and Fluffy, we still need to take care of our HVAC system when we bring pets into the home. Here are a few tips to help you keep your furry friend happy, healthy and reduce the amount of pet hair circulating in your HVAC system.

Pet Grooming

Pet owners are responsible for ensuring their pets are groomed. Depending on the type of pet you have, your individual furry friend may end up leaving a lot of fur in your HVAC system. This fur could then break off into small pieces that will find their way into the HVAC filter. When this happens, it can cause unnecessary maintenance expenses because the inside of the filters becomes clogged with fur. Brushing your pet several times a week will keep fur from accumulating inside the unit, which can reduce cooling efficiency, damage the system's blower, increase energy costs, and waste electricity. By grooming your dog or cat regularly, you can keep up your AC maintenance. 

Regularly Change the HVAC filters.

Air filters are the first line of defense that protects your HVAC system from dust, pollen, spores, pet dander, etc., and make the indoor environment more comfortable. As pets grow older, they tend to shed more, and their hair can get entangled in the filters. A dirty air filter doesn't just affect your HVAC system's efficiency, it also makes them more prone to damage. If you have a pet at home, replace the filters regularly to keep your indoor air clean and healthy.

Vacuum Regularly

Carpets and hard surfaces collect a lot of dust, animal hair and other allergens over time. But a surprising quantity of these will actually stick to the filter in your HVAC system. As the pet fur builds up over time, it reduces the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system, which will be reflected in your energy bills. Vacuuming is a reliable way to remove pet dander and hair from carpets and rugs. Regular vacuuming prevents the accumulation of dander and hair, which increases the flow of air through your air conditioning system's air filters. Periodic maintenance saves you money on repair bills and replacement filters.

Fence the Outdoor Air Conditioner

HVAC outdoor units are an essential part of the HVAC system. They are necessary for cooling indoor temperatures, especially when you live in a hot, sunny climate. However, these units are more exposed to pets as compared to other AC components. You can protect them by covering them differently. Installing a sturdy fence around the units is the best solution to this problem. ​The fence must be installed at least 3 feet from the storage units to ensure proper ventilation.

Choose Better Air Filters

Quality air filters are the key to eliminating pet dander in your home. This is important for people who suffer from pet allergies. The MERV rating measures the effectiveness of your air filter. The MERV rating estimates how efficiently a filter can reduce particulate sizes and enable indoor air quality. Lower MERV ratings – between 5 and 8 – are standard for modern homes. 10 is best for people with allergies, as it catches smaller particles like pet dander and prevents them from circulating through your HVAC unit or radiating back into your home air.