A Pet Owner’s Guide to HVAC Maintenance

By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts

Based on the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million families own a pet. The largest number of these beloved pets are dogs, cats and other furry creatures who tend to shed or spread dander in their homes. While it’s a pleasure to own a pet, you should take a few extra measures to ensure your HVAC system continues to run smoothly. Follow these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:

1. Clean or Replace Your Air Filter Regularly

Your indoor air’s overall quality hinges on the working condition of your air filter because it filters dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. With pets, you may have to replace filters more frequently.

“It starts with checking the filter more regularly,” said Jim Hughes, Director of Field Training with Service Experts, one of the nation’s largest HVAC service and repair companies. “For example, if you have a filter that’s supposed to last three months, you may want to check it every month. Filters get clogged more quickly with pets, particularly during heavy-use seasons.”

2. Think About Upgrading Your Air Filter

You may also consider a higher quality air filter. Look for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to see the smallest particles your filter can capture. For residential use, the ideal MERV rating ranges from five to 13, and the higher the number, the better the filtration. It’s advisable to use a nine or higher to trap dander effectively, Hughes added. A few pet owners even opt for a high-efficiency whole home ventilation and air purification system.

3. Protect Your Air Conditioning’s Condenser

The AC unit, especially the outdoor cabinet, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have heat exchanging coils that gather dirt and other yard debris over the course of a year.  While it doesn’t happen often, pets may use the outdoor unit as a place to urinate, and if they are around it often enough, hair or fur can collect on the coils. 

“The acid from pet urine will corrode the air conditioner’s coils and possibly lead to a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And a lot of hair in the condenser will reduce system efficiency.” If needed, add a small fence around your outdoor unit, but ensure airflow remains unobstructed, Hughes suggested. 

4. Maintain a Regular Grooming Schedule for Your Pet

By brushing your cat or dog regularly, there’s less hair that can make its way into your home’s ventilation system. “I suggest using a vacuum brush to get rid of extra hair from their pets. That way you avoid spreading the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes mentioned.

5. Vacuum More Often and Clean Your Return Vents

Running the vacuum more often is an easy way to reduce the amount of hair and dander being pulled into your system. While you’re already vacuuming, it’s also a good idea to vacuum the return air vents. The location of return air vents varies according to your home’s layout. But every home has return and supply vents. Return air vents draw in air and then clean and circulate it across your home using the supply air vents, so some extra vacuuming is added defense against unwanted dust, pet hair and more.

6. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up Twice a Year

Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician two times each year for peace of mind that all components are operating properly and safely, particularly for pet owners. When the technician comes to your home, you might want to ask about additional steps you can take for your system to run more efficiently.

“The visiting technician is an additional Expert to help you to assess the effects of pets on your system,” Hughes said. “Every maintenance visit is the perfect time to establish a beneficial relationship that supports the long-term health of your HVAC system.” 

Explore Duct Cleaning Services 

Once your air filters are clogged, contaminants and allergens can reach the duct system, causing more trouble with your home’s air quality. If you are concerned that pet hair and dander aren’t under control, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.

“I know some pet owners who have their duct work cleaned every few years. It can be well worth the investment whenever pets are involved,” Hughes said. 

To find out more about keeping indoor air quality high as a pet owner, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance call today.