Owning pets and having your own personal companion is great, but also comes with some challenges. As much as we love them, our furry friends may cause damage to HVAC systems. It’s important for pet owners to stay on top of HVAC preventative maintenance.
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to overlook the effects of pets on HVAC systems. Take some time to familiarize yourself with our tips for HVAC maintenance. You may find that you have been neglecting some important maintenance steps that are necessary for pet owners to know. Let’s get started!
1) Focus On Your Air Filters
As a pet owner, you must be proactive when it comes to HVAC maintenance. Dander and fur can easily end up in your system, circulate throughout your home, and frequently clog up your air filters. The sole purpose of a filter is to prevent debris, dust, dander, and hair from getting into your HVAC unit. Filters prevent these things from clogging up your system and backing up ductwork.
If your pet is prone to shedding, it’s important to clean your home regularly as a form of HVAC preventative maintenance. If you already keep a tidy home, you should still replace your AC filter at least once a month.
2) Schedule Regular Grooming
Regularly grooming your pet or taking them to the groomers is a great way to ensure minimal shedding within your home. This may also help you avoid cleaning and lint-rolling as frequently as you might now. Even if your pet doesn’t shed regularly, they still produce dander that can clog your air filters. Sufficient professional cleaning and grooming, when done regularly, is another great way to prevent unnecessary HVAC maintenance.
3) Schedule Annual Ductwork Cleanings
Even if you utilize both aforementioned preventative tactics, there could still be build-up present in your ductwork. Air ducts tend to back up with material even if the filter is functioning properly. This can easily clog the inside walls of your ductwork, which limits the amount of air that can be circulated throughout your home. This can increase costs associated with the daily use of your HVAC system and limit efficiency.
Air duct cleaning washes out and removes the accumulation of dander, dust, hair, and debris that has become lodged in your ducts. If you’ve noticed that you have to clean your home frequently, whether due to dust or the shedding of your pet, it may be time to schedule a cleaning.
4) Air Purification
Air purifying systems work well to improve the overall air quality in your home. Air purifiers help remove dander and dust before it makes its way into your HVAC system. Some air filters/purifiers can remove up to 99.97% of the dust and dander present in your home’s air. When these materials are removed from the air, it increases the efficiency of your unit and prevents it from being overworked.
Do You Currently Have Issues With Your HVAC?
We all need a helping hand sometimes. Even with HVAC preventive maintenance, dust, dirt, debris, and dander can still accumulate in your system. If it’s been a while since you’ve received services from a professional, you may not realize that your electric bill is rising due to the accumulation of said materials either in your ducts or filters. If you require immediate HVAC maintenance, or would simply like to hear more tips and tricks, contact us at Home Comfort USA today for an appointment!