As much as we adore our furry friends, owning a pet makes it more challenging to keep a home neat and clean. We love our pets, nevertheless, and make sure they’re safe and comfortable in our homes.
But do you know the impact of owning pets on your Heating & Air Conditioning system?
For starters, they may carry dirt, debris, dust, and twigs from the outdoors, into the house. These clog vents and air filters, reducing airflow and making it difficult to reach the indoor temperature level you desire.
Pets also shed. While some animals shed less than others, every pet owner anticipates pet hair getting all over their clothes, carpet, and furniture.
Aside from pet hair, dander- the tiny particles of hair and skin your pet is shedding- may also clog vents and filters.
The magnetic properties of your ductwork attract pet hair and dander, too. Your Heating & Air Conditioning system redistributes these allergens in other areas of the house. This may trigger allergy symptoms or asthma attacks.
However, there are steps you can take to keep you and your pet comfortable and cozy at home, without putting unnecessary strain on your Heating & Air Conditioning system.
1. Regularly change your air filter
Air filters clean the air passing through your Heating & Air Conditioning system. Since they clog quickly, it’s recommended to replace them every 2-3 months.
Pet owners should do it more often. Replacing the air filter once a month ensures that pet hair and dander, along with other allergens, don’t infiltrate your ducts.
HEPA filters (or high-efficiency particulate air filters) get rid of particles in the air, such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, so it helps to invest in them.
2. Keep air ducts clean
Pet hair and dander sitting in your ducts may reduce air flow, as it increases your energy usage.
Thus, cleaning the air ducts is crucial to making sure your Heating & Air Conditioning system is running efficiently.
It also improves the quality of air being distributed into your home, since it provides a level of allergen removal that can’t be accomplished by air filters or air purifiers.
Pet owners should have their ducts cleaned every two years, but if you have two or more pets, you may need to do it more frequently.
3. Regularly bathe and groom your pet
Bathing and grooming your pets on a regular basis is great for their health and well-being. It isn’t just a great way to bond with them; it also helps prevent hair or fur from suffocating your air filters.
When hair gets picked up into the brush instead, it reduces the amount of contaminants released into the air. Otherwise, the hair will collect in the vents and on your air filters.
If you’re able to, brush your pet outdoors so the hair doesn’t make its way into your home system.
4. Clean the carpets
Carpet fibers trap dirt, debris, hair, and dander that may recirculate throughout your home and gum up your air filters.
To remove the majority of the contaminants and allergens that hold on to the carpet, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
Vacuum once or twice a week, focusing on the rooms or areas where your pet spends the most time. Steam cleaning your carpet every 4-6 weeks is also recommended.
When it contributes to the health of your family, your Heating & Air Conditioning system deserves some TLC, even more so if you’re a homeowner with pets.
Keeping your Heating & Air Conditioning system running smoothly and efficiently at all times will ensure you and your four-legged loved ones stay comfortable at home, all year round.
THE GOOD GUYS HOME SERVICES MOBILE APP GIVES YOU INSTANT SCHEDULING CONTROL!
book installations, same-day service repairs, maintenance appointments, view work history, and more.
