HVAC Maintenance Tips 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 own a pet. The largest number of these cuddly family members are cats, dogs and other animals who can shed or spread dander in their homes. While it’s a pleasure to own a pet, a few additional steps are necessary to keep your HVAC system running properly. Start with these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:

1. Clean or Replace Your Air Filter Regularly

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

“It starts with keeping an eye on how the filter is doing,” 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 expected to last 90 days, you might want to check it every month. With pets, a filter gets dirty fast, particularly during shedding seasons.”

2. Consider Upgrading Your System’s Air Filter

You should also consider a higher quality air filter. Look for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to know the smallest particles your filter can capture. For residential use, you’ll see filters rated from five to 13, where higher numbers mean better filtration. You should aim for a nine or above to trap dander effectively, Hughes added. A few pet owners also choose a high-efficiency whole home ventilation and air purification system.

3. Protect Your Air Conditioning’s Condenser

Your air conditioner, namely the outdoor cabinet, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These condensers have heat exchanging coils that collect their share of dirt and debris over the course of a year.  While it doesn’t happen often, some pets even urinate on outdoor units, and if they are around it often enough, their fur may get pulled into the coils and clog them up. 

“The urine’s acidity 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 start to affect system efficiency.” If required, install a fence around the unit, but ensure airflow remains unobstructed, Hughes suggests. 

4. Groom Your Pet Regularly

By brushing your cat or dog regularly, there’s less hair that can make its way into your home’s ventilation system. “I recommend people use 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

Increasing how many times you vacuum each month is an easy way to reduce the amount of hair and dander being pulled into your system. As long as you have the vacuum out, it’s also a good idea to vacuum the return air vents. The return vent system varies according to your home’s layout. But you’ll always find return and supply vents. Return air vents pull in air and then filter and recirculate it throughout your home using the supply air vents, so some extra vacuuming is added defense against unwanted dust, dander and hair.

6. Get an HVAC Checkup Biannually

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. As the technician comes to your home, you might want to ask about other preventive steps to take to keep your system running smoothly.

“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 an opportunity to establish a beneficial relationship that ensures a longer-lasting HVAC system.” 

Consider Air Duct Cleaning 

If the air filter gets clogged, pollutants 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 get their ducts cleaned every couple of years. It can be well worth the investment whenever pets are involved,” Hughes said. 

To learn more about maintaining indoor air quality with pets, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or request a professional HVAC tune-up today.