A Pet Owner’s Guide to HVAC Maintenance

By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts

As reported by the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million homes have pets. The largest number of these family members are cats, dogs and other animals who can shed or produce 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. Swap Out or Clean Your Air Filter Consistently

Indoor air quality depends on the working condition of your air filter because it pulls dust, dander and other pollutants from the air. When you have pets, you might need to replace it sooner.

“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 example, if you have a filter that’s expected to last 90 days, you might want to consider replacing it each month. Filters get clogged more quickly with pets, particularly when your HVAC system runs most often.”

2. Look into Upgrading Your Air Filter

You may also think about getting a higher-rated air filter. Find the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to know 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. You should aim for a nine or above to trap dander effectively, Hughes added. Some pet owners sometimes upgrade to a higher-end whole home ventilation and air purification system.

3. Keep the AC’s Condenser in the Best Possible Shape

The AC unit, particularly the outdoor unit, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have coils or heat exchangers that can slowly accumulate dirt and debris throughout the year.  Unfortunately, pets may urinate on the outdoor unit, and if they are near it on a regular basis, hair or fur can collect on the coils. 

“The acidity in pet urine might damage the AC coils and possibly lead to a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And if there’s a lot of hair in the condenser, it will start to affect system efficiency.” If required, install a fence around the unit, but make sure airflow isn’t blocked, Hughes suggested. 

4. Keep up with Your Pet’s Grooming

If you brush your pet often, you’ll reduce the amount of hair clogging your vents. “I suggest using a vacuum brush to get rid of extra hair from their pets. This way you aren’t dispersing the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes said.

5. Vacuum More Often and Clean Your Return Vents

Increasing how many times you vacuum each month can limit the amount of hair and dander getting into your HVAC system. While you’re vacuuming, vacuum the return air vents as well. The location of return air vents varies based on your home’s design. But your home will always have return and supply vents. Return air vents pull in air and then clean and circulate it back into every room using the supply air vents, so some extra vacuuming is an extra way to minimize unwanted dust, dander and hair.

6. Get an HVAC Checkup Biannually

Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician every six months to ensure everything is running its best, and this is doubly so for homes with pets. Once the HVAC specialist arrives, ask if there are additional steps you can take to maintain your system’s overall efficiency.

“Your technician is an additional Expert to help you to assess the effects of pets on your system,” Hughes said. “A routine maintenance call is a chance to establish a beneficial relationship that promotes your HVAC system’s long-term health.” 

Consider Air Duct Cleaning 

When your HVAC system’s air filters become clogged, pollutants and allergens can reach the duct system, causing more trouble with your home’s air quality. If you’re worried about pet hair and dander, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.

“I know some pet owners who get their ducts cleaned every couple of years. Duct cleaning can be a longer-lasting solution for pet owners,” Hughes said. 

To find out more about how to maintain indoor air quality when you own pets, go to ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance call today.