Pets are some of the best family members we have: they always love us, they make us smile and laugh, and they’re always excited when we come home to them. Our four-legged friends are just as much a part of the family as anyone else – but their presence can be more of a strain on your HVAC system than you realize.
Animal hair and dander in the air can wreak havoc on your HVAC system, but that’s not all; keeping your home as clear of hair and dander as possible means less stuck in the air ducts and floating around in the air. To help keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape, follow these simple tips and tricks that will keep your pets happy too!
Groom Your Pet Regularly
Not only is this a good practice for your pets; it also keeps a deluge of pet hair and danders out of your HVAC system. Regular grooming will also reduce the number of air filter changes you’ll go through in a year, saving you money and frustration down the line.
Change Your Air Filters
Even with regular grooming, your pet’s hair and dander will lead you to change the air filters in your HVAC system more often than a home with no pets. The hair, dander, and dust generated by pets clogs the filters significantly faster than non-pet homes, so your AC will keep running and attempting to cool your house, to no avail.
The more pets you have, the more often your filter should be changed. Even with daily vacuuming and dusting, your home will still see a filter clog more often than a non-pet home. If any of your family members have allergies, staying on top of vacuuming and dusting is of the utmost importance; if the allergies are severe, you can even contact an indoor air quality specialist to find out which system is best for your home.
Clean Your Air Ducts
Even with regular bathing and grooming, your pet’s fur will likely still end up stuck in your home’s air ducts. Clogged vents can quickly become a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria, so make sure every duct is allowing airflow. If you come across a clogged vent and plan to clear it yourself, make sure to turn off your HVAC unit to avoid inhaling more harmful particles than necessary. However, we recommend leaving the unclogging to a professional.
Call an HVAC Professional for Maintenance
The best thing you can do to keep your home’s HVAC system healthy is regular maintenance. The more pets you have, the more often system checks should occur. Give the professionals at Young’s Home Comfort a call today at 215-234-4351 to schedule your next HVAC check-up. The new year is now upon us; make the resolution this year to keep your whole family happy and healthy all year long!