Pets are cherished and valuable Pets are beloved and integral members of a family, but an often overlooked aspect of pet ownership is their impact on air quality. Certain animals can significantly affect HVAC systems, potentially leading to decreased efficiency, long-term damage, and costly repairs, which can compromise the air quality in your home. But one often overlooked element in pet ownership is that certain animals can wreak havoc on HVAC systems, leading to long-term damage and costly repairs.
All pets, even ones without fur, have dander that gets, well, everywhere. Before the steamy Georgia summer begins, it might be a good time to check-in with your experienced HVAC specialists to ensure your system hasn't been affected too much by Fido or Kitty.
"Pets can create serious problems for your HVAC system and lead to major issues with your air quality," says a spokesperson for Shumate Heating & Air. "But following some simple maintenance rules can keep everyone in your home healthy and happy, including your furry friends."
Here are five essential HVAC maintenance tips for pet owners:
Change your air filters
Regularly changing your HVAC filters is essential for maintaining good air quality, and this becomes even more crucial if you have pets. Pet hair, skin, and other particles can accumulate in the filter, causing it to clog and reducing its effectiveness. To ensure optimal air quality, it's important to use filters specifically designed to capture pet dander. Standard HEPA or ionic filters may not be sufficient for this task. Prioritizing the right air filters will help keep your indoor air clean and healthy.
Clean your ductwork
Dander is a serious problem, especially if someone in your home
has allergies or asthma. These little particles of your pet can get everywhere,
including the inside of your ductwork. When dander makes its way to the ducts, it
gets recirculated through the air and can lead to serious health issues. You
should inspect your ducts regularly and get them professionally cleaned every
couple of years, at least.
Keep your carpet clean
Indoor air quality isn't always about your HVAC system. Allergens and other negative particles thrive on carpets and furniture. Vacuum your home regularly, preferably with a unit that has HEPA filtration. Try to keep pets off beds and furniture where it may be difficult to clean. Investing in a light, cordless vacuum can help with daily cleaning of pet-heavy areas. Taking care of your carpet is an easy step in helping your HVAC system last a lifetime.
Groom your pet
Maintaining clean carpets is essential for indoor air quality, as allergens and harmful particles often accumulate on carpets and furniture. Regular vacuuming is crucial, and using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter is recommended to effectively capture these particles. To further reduce allergens, keep pets off beds and furniture, as these areas can be challenging to clean thoroughly. Additionally, consider investing in a lightweight, cordless vacuum to facilitate daily cleaning, especially in areas frequented by pets.
Protect your outdoor unit
In Tennessee, it's important to keep your pets away from your outdoor AC unit to prevent damage. Dogs might urinate on the unit, causing corrosion to the fins and coils, while cats could scratch the wiring, potentially cutting off power. To safeguard your AC, consider installing a small fence around it. Make sure there's enough space for airflow and easy access for your local HVAC technician when repairs or maintenance are needed.
"We all love pets, and that's why we stress that it only takes a few easy steps to make sure your HVAC system can keep everyone in the house comfortable and breathing clean air" says a spokesperson for Shumate Heating & Air. "The quality of life for humans and pets increases when your HVAC system is running properly."
