Essential HVAC Maintenance Advice for Pet Owners

By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts

According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million families have one or more pets. The largest number of these beloved pets are cats, dogs and other animals who tend to shed or release dander into their homes. While it’s a pleasure to own a pet, a few additional steps are necessary to ensure your HVAC system continues to run smoothly. Here are seven tips to follow for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:

1. Replace Your Air Filter Frequently

Indoor air quality depends on the state of your air filter since it filters dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. If you own pets, you may need to change filters more often.

“It starts with knowing when to clean or replace the filter,” said Jim Hughes, Director of Field Training with Service Experts, one of the nation’s largest HVAC service and repair companies. “For instance, if you have a filter that’s rated to last three months, you might want to take a look once a month. Pets can clog up the air filter much faster, particularly during shedding seasons.”

2. Consider an Air Filter Upgrade

You may also think about getting a higher-rated air filter. Look for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to see the smallest size of particles the filter can catch. For residential use, filter ratings range between five and 13, and the higher the number, the better the filtration. You should aim for a nine or above to effectively filter out dander, Hughes added. Some pet owners even opt for a more advanced whole home ventilation and air purification system.

3. Don’t Let the Air Conditioner’s Condenser Break Down

The AC unit, particularly the outdoor unit, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These condensers have coils/heat exchangers that gather dirt and other yard debris throughout the year.  Unfortunately, some pets even urinate on outdoor units, and if they are frequently near the unit, fur or hair could be pulled into the system, clogging the coils. 

“The urine’s acidity might damage the AC coils and possibly lead to a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And too much hair in the condenser will start to affect system efficiency.” If needed, install a fence around the unit, but be sure not to block or restrict airflow, Hughes suggests. 

4. Keep up with Your Pet’s Grooming

By brushing your cat or dog regularly, less hair will enter your HVAC system. “I suggest using a vacuum brush to pull off as much fur as they can from their pets. This way you aren’t releasing the hair or dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes said.

5. Increase How Often You Vacuum and Clean Return Vents

Running the vacuum more often will decrease the amount of hair and dander making its way into your system. While you’re already vacuuming, don’t forget to clean out what you can in the return air vents as well. The location of return air vents varies according to your home’s layout. But your home will always have return air vents and supply air vents. Return air vents bring in air and then clean and circulate it across your home using the supply air vents, so some extra vacuuming is another layer of protection against unwanted dust, hair and animal dander.

6. Schedule a Maintenance Call Every Six Months

Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician twice a year to ensure everything is running its best, and this is doubly so for homes with pets. When the technician visits, it’s a good idea to ask them about other preventive steps to take for your system to run more efficiently.

“The technician is an extra set of eyes for you to see how your pets are impacting the system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is a chance to develop a valuable partnership that promotes your HVAC system’s long-term health.” 

Look into Professional Air Duct Cleaning 

Once your air filters are clogged, pollutants and allergens can make it to the ventilation system, causing more long-term air quality issues. If you’re worried about pet hair and dander, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.

“I know some pet owners who have their duct work cleaned every few years. For pet owners, it can be a smart investment,” Hughes said. 

To get all the details about keeping indoor air quality high as a pet owner, go to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or request a professional HVAC tune-up today.