Our furry friends are without a doubt family members – they give us comfort, unconditional love, and are always happy to see us when we come home. Plain and simple, they make life extraordinarily better. And if you have pets like most of us at Carolina Comfort Air, you too know the struggle of constantly having to tend to pet hair throughout your home.
When the pet dander collects on your heating and cooling system’s filters and ducts, it can cause serious problems. Clogged filters and ducts result in your air conditioner having to work harder, lowering efficiency and necessitating more maintenance procedures.
If you have a cat or a dog at home, your HVAC system will require some additional TLC to function effectively. Follow these HVAC maintenance suggestions if you share the love of pets with others!
Change Air Filter Every 30 Days
Every 30-60 days, we recommend changing your disposable air filters. Because pet dander builds up quickly to block filters, you should replace them every 30 days if you have pets. Changing your air filter is one of the most proactive methods to keep your air conditioner in excellent operating order and maintain clean indoor air quality. This is also an inexpensive way to extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment.
Have you ever forgotten to change your air filters? Remember to set a reminder on your phone or have your smart home assistant remind you when it’s time to replace them!
Clean Air Ducts
When your pets shed indoors, their dander accumulates in the HVAC system and air ducts. Any particles trapped in your air ducts are recirculated throughout your air. Yuck!vYou may develop a runny or stuffy nose, cough, sneeze, wheeze, or even have trouble breathing as a result of these particles. Excessive pet dander over time can cause more serious respiratory problems.
We recommend that you inspect your air ducts for pet hair, dust, and debris. When you notice a dirty air duct, you’ll know it! Every three to five years, we recommend having your air ducts cleaned.
Clean Carpets Often
When your dog’s fur gets transferred to the carpet, it becomes a trap for pet dander that recirculates when disturbed by foot traffic. Dust and vacuum your carpet and other parts of the house on a regular basis to assist your HVAC system.
Keeping your house free of pollen and other allergens will prevent your air conditioner from being clogged by removing the particles before they get to it. You could save time by investing in a robot vacuum to help you with the chore! Today’s smart vacuums learn about your home’s features, such as high-trafficked or particularly filthy areas, and they can even be set on a schedule too!
Protect Outdoor Unit
When your dogs are allowed to run in the backyard and have access to your outdoor HVAC unit, they may “mark” it. Over time, this can cause deterioration of your coils and fins. You can’t always be vigilant as your four-legged companions rove around in the yard. There’s a ventilation system that allows hot air to escape, while at the same time preventing curious cats from burning down your heating and cooling equipment.
Use an Air Purifier
Having an air purifier will relieve some of the strain on your air filters. Air purifiers not only remove pet hair and dander from your filter and home ventilation system, but they also eliminate dust, spores, and other airborne allergens. Carolina Comfort Air provides a range of indoor air quality solutions to purify the air in your house!
Groom Pets Regularly
Regular cleaning of your furry companion will prevent filters from clogging up promptly, and it will also help to decrease the dander that circulates your house. If you’re going to brush your pet outside, make sure it’s in the trash or it may end up in your outdoor unit.
Call a Pro for Regular HVAC Maintenance
There’s only so much you can do to maintain your HVAC vents and filters in excellent working order. Routine maintenance on your air conditioning system ensures that all parts of the equipment are cleaned, examined for maximum efficiency, and avoided from further damage by identifying potential hazards. Urban Mechanical recommends scheduling bi-annual maintenance, once in the spring and then again in the fall.
IMPORTANT: Don’t forget to take care of your pets while you’re gone. While you program your thermostat for the hours you’ll be away, don’t forget to factor in your pet’s comfort as well. Pets do not require the heat or air conditioning set at the same levels as we do, but do remember their safety and comfort.
