HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners: How to Keep Your System Healthy
If you’re a pet owner, you know that they can be a big part of the family. And just like you take care of your loved ones, you need to take care of your HVAC system too! Pets can cause a lot of extra wear and tear on your HVAC unit, so it’s important to be proactive about maintenance. Here are some tips for HVAC maintenance specifically for pet owners. And when things get really hairy, it might be time to get HVAC maintenance service in NJ.
Why Pets Change Your HVAC Plan
Without pets, your HVAC usage and maintenance would be pretty straightforward. But our furry (and not so furry) friends bring a whole new set of challenges to the table. Here are some quick things to keep in mind:
-Pets shed, which means more hair and dander in your filters
-Pets can cause damage to your ductwork
-Pets can be allergic to certain HVAC chemicals
Shedding Season Solutions
The first issue – extra hair and dander in your filters – is easy enough to solve. Just make sure you’re changing your HVAC filter more frequently during shedding season. We recommend once a month, but you may need to do it more often depending on how much your pet sheds. You might even want to invest in a higher quality filter that can trap more hair and dander.
The next issue – pet-related damage to your ductwork – is a little more serious. Pets can cause problems like holes and tears in your ducts, which can lead to decreased HVAC efficiency and even pests getting into your home. If you suspect there’s damage to your ductwork, it’s best to call in a professional for an inspection.
Finally, some pets can be allergic to certain HVAC chemicals. This is most common with dogs, who are particularly sensitive to airborne chemicals. If you notice your dog sneezing or having trouble breathing when the HVAC is on, it’s worth looking into alternatives like chemical-free HVAC systems.
The Top 9 HVAC Tips for Pet Owners
Thanks to experience and expertise we have seen it all. Here are some of the best tips we have for pet owners to keep their HVAC system healthy:
- More Frequent Air Filter Changes
A normal air filter for an HVAC system might need to be changed every few months. If you have pets, it is best to change your air filter once a month during shedding season. Doing this will help keep your HVAC system from working too hard and becoming overworked.
- Clean Your Vents and Registers
Your HVAC system distributes air through a series of vents and registers. Over time, these can become clogged with pet hair, dust, and other debris. To keep your HVAC system running efficiently, be sure to clean your vents and registers on a regular basis – we recommend at least once a year.
- Invest in a High-Quality Air Filter
A high-quality air filter will do a better job of trapping pet hair, dander, and other allergens. This will help keep your HVAC system running more efficiently and reduce the amount of time it spends working to circulate air.
- Physical Barriers
If possible, it is good to fence off the area around your outdoor unit. To do this, you can install a wire fence or build a small enclosure around the unit. This will help keep your pets away from the HVAC system and prevent them from damaging it.
- Clean Thoroughly
One of the best things you can do is to vacuum very well, especially if you have carpeting. This will help to remove any pet hair, dander, and other allergens that might be in your home. It is also a good idea to dust regularly. Doing this will help keep your HVAC system from having to work overtime to circulate air through your home.
- Brush and Clean Your Pet
This is an easy one, and something you and your pet are both going to love! Thankfully, one of the easiest ways to keep your HVAC system healthy is to brush your pet regularly and make sure they are clean. This will help to remove any excess hair, dander, and allergens from their fur before they have a chance to spread them around your home.
The best place to brush them is outside because the fur and other dander will remain outside where it can’t do damage to your system. But if you need to brush them inside, be sure to do it on a hard surface so that the cleanup is easier. If you, do it on a carpet, it could get stuck in the carpet fibers and be very difficult to remove.
- Check for Ductwork Damage
Pets can cause damage to your HVAC ductwork, so it’s important to check for any holes or tears regularly. If you notice any damage, be sure to call in a professional for an inspection and repair.
- Consider a Chemical-Free HVAC System
If your pet is allergic to chemicals used in HVAC systems, you might want to consider switching to a chemical-free system. These systems use natural ingredients that are less likely to trigger allergies in pets.
- Regular HVAC Maintenance
Finally, one of the best things you can do for your HVAC system – and your home in general – is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance service. A professional HVAC technician will be able to inspect your system, clean it, and make any necessary repairs. This will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly for years to come. We recommend a twice-annual service to keep everything running perfectly.
Get HVAC Maintenance Service in NJ from Our Team
Of course, the best way to keep your HVAC system running smoothly is with regular maintenance. This is especially important for pet owners, who put extra stress on their HVAC units.
At Air Temp Service, we offer a variety of HVAC maintenance services in NJ specifically tailored for pet-friendly homes. We’ll make sure your unit is running efficiently and effectively, so you can focus on taking care of your beloved pets. Contact Air Temp Service today to learn more!