HVAC Tips For Pet Owners

For those of us who are pet owners, we love our furry, fluffy animals. But we don’t love the mess the furry and the fluffy bring with them. We all see all their fur float in the air when we are petting them and some of it will end up in your HVAC system. Here are some steps to help keep your air clean and your HVAC running beautifully.Groom your pets often – Because pet hair can clog your air filters, brush and bath your animals frequently to reduce the amount of fur that can make its way into the air filter. If possible, grooming your pets outdoors helps keep that excess hair out of the home. And clean and vacuum up after you are done grooming.Vacuum your carpets and keep your home clean – You should dust and vacuum often to collect all the stray pet hair you can. We recommend dusting first with a microfiber cloth or something that will trap dust and not have it float in the air, then vacuum second. This way you can vacuum up any dust, dander or fur that may have fallen to the ground when you were dusting. Try to vacuum at least once a week to keep the pet dander and hair that can get stirred up and in the air to a minimum.

Clean your air ducts and vents – Your pet’s fur and dander can end up trapped in the air ducts and then these particles will recirculate around your home when you turn on your heating or cooling. To keep things clean, vacuum your air intake vents and wipe off with a sponge or microfiber cloth and water. You can DIY cleaning your air ducts, or you can save the hassle and hire a professional to do it for you. Perform a visual inspection if you are unsure if your ducts need cleaning, it is recommended to clean your ducts every 3-5 years.

Replace your air filter – If you have pets, you should change your air filter every 30-60 days. Check your filter every 30 days to see if it needs replaced. This will keep your air cleaner and put less strain on your HVAC system. Get a high-quality air filter to remove more debris from the air like pet dander and hair. This is also beneficial to those who have allergies.

Protect your outdoor HVAC unit – If your pets go outside, they may take interest in your HVAC unit. To make sure they don’t utilize it as a bathroom fixture, causing possible damaging corrosion, consider blocking it off with fencing or lattice work. You’ll want to make sure to maintain proper air flow around your HVAC. This also helps block your dog from digging and scratching the HVAC. If you are unsure of what type of fencing to use, consult with an HVAC professional.

You should have your HVAC serviced twice annually, once around fall before it gets cold, and once in the spring before it gets too warm. Regular maintenance will keep your HVAC system running efficiently. And if you have furry friends, then regular maintenance can also detect any problems that may arise due to any extra stress on the system. With these tips you can keep snuggling your pets and have cleaner air quality in your home.

Call us at Priority Heating today for quality HVAC service!