What Can Animal Hair Do to My AC Filter?

A family pet is part of millions of families. You probably consider your dog or cat a beloved family member and want to keep them well-cared for.

Regrettably, pet hair usually has a negative impact on the efficiency of your air conditioning system. With proper maintenance, you can ensure adequate airflow and protect your air conditioner from harm.

How Does an AC Filter Work, and Why is It So Important?

Your air filter is a key component of the HVAC system. Your air filter captures airborne contaminants, such as dust, pollen and pet hair, preventing these contaminants from circulating in your home. AC filters come in many different versions, including fiberglass, pleated and electrostatic. The overall effectiveness of an air filter can be measured with its minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which is rated on a scale from 1 to 20, with higher ratings corresponding to stronger filtration.

An air filter’s key purpose is the protection of the evaporator coil, blower motor and other delicate hardware from dirt and debris that could lead to problems. An efficient enough filter also improves indoor air quality by keeping particles out of your indoor air, which often contribute to allergies, asthma attacks and other respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.

How Does Pet Hair Affect the Air Filter of My HVAC System?

While animals are shedding, their hair becomes airborne and is drawn into the HVAC system through the return air ducts. When the filter is missing, pet hair collects inside the evaporator coil, blower motor, fan blades and other components, slowing them down and reducing efficiency. Hair can also encourage clogs if it interacts with the moisture inside your cooling, creating a breeding ground for mold and bacteria that can generate foul odors and lower indoor air quality.

But even if you have an air filter installed, pet hair isn’t harmless. When return airflow reaches the main HVAC system, the filter captures the hair as it passes, keeping it from landing on delicate cooling components. At the same time, this quickly clogs the filter up, decreasing airflow and increasing strain on the HVAC system. Without intervention, high energy bills and frequent breakdowns may be right behind.

What About Animal Dander?

Pet dander, made up of small skin flakes and saliva particles, commonly exacerbates respiratory problems for those suffering from allergies or asthma. You may benefit from a higher efficiency filter to ensure it can effectively capture and remove dander, which is much smaller than pet hair.

How to Care for Your AC System and Filter with Pets

Maintaining an efficient, properly functioning air conditioner is certainly possible, even with pets living in your home. Here’s how:

• • Change the filter regularly: Depending on the total number of pets as well as the filter’s efficiency, you might need to replace it every 30 to 90 days. Keep an eye on it every month and replace it when a clog appears.

• • Clean your air vents and ductwork: Pet hair gradually piles up against the air registers and grilles, preventing proper ventilation. Clean these with the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner as often as needed. Then, hire a professional to remove built-up pet hair, dander and dust in the air ducts every few years.

• • Bathe or brush away excess pet hair: Regular brushing and bathing reduces the hair and dander your pets generate. Brush your pets outside when possible and sweep the area afterward to prevent the hair from getting tracked inside.

• • Consistently vacuum and dust: Pet hair can be found in pretty much every room of a house. A lot of it settles on surfaces or under furniture. Keep up a regular cleaning routine that includes vacuuming, sweeping, dusting and laundering your pet’s bedding.

• • Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear: Central HVAC systems need an outdoor unit mounted to a concrete slab outside your home. Keep the area around this unit free of debris, like pet hair, grass clippings, dead leaves, and other forms of yard waste. This ensures effective heat transfer for more efficient operation.

• • Don’t ignore preventive maintenance: For best results, have a trusted HVAC technician inspect and maintain your air conditioning system every year, preferably in the spring. This professional can identify and fix small issues, clean key components and share advice on keeping your air conditioner running efficiently with pets.

Get in Touch with for Indoor Air Quality Services

If you want to minimize the impact your pets have on your HVAC system and indoor air quality, choose for tailored solutions and top-notch customer service. We offer a range of indoor air quality products designed to minimize pet hair and dander, such as advanced air filtration, whole-house ventilation and air duct cleaning. We can also maintain your HVAC system for maximum performance and efficiency. Rest assured that everything we do is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To request indoor air quality services in North America, please contact today.