As pet owners know, having a cat, dog, or other furry indoor creature requires a different level of home upkeep and maintenance. This includes some different considerations for the settings and maintenance of your HVAC. Fortunately, there are ways to optimize your HVAC system for peak performance when you have a pet.
Change Air Filters
Filters help prevent dust, dander and other particles from circulating through your indoor air. Most manufacturers recommend changing HVAC filters every 90 days. However, homeowners with pets may wish to consider changing their HVAC filters more often if they find it clogs more quickly than this. Filters that become clogged with animal fur, hair, feathers, or dander will no longer be able to work effectively. This means your HVAC equipment may work harder to maintain stable household conditions, resulting in excess wear and tear on your system. Dirty or clogged filters can even harbor mold spores and increase the likelihood of mold growth near your HVAC unit. It is important to change the filter regularly to ensure the best indoor air quality (IAQ).
In addition to changing your air filter on time, it is also important to consider the caliber of the filter itself. Experts recommend looking for a filter with a suitable minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. Common MERV ratings selected for households with pets range from 8.0 to 13.0. Since your preferred filter must be compatible with your HVAC unit model, consult with a qualified HVAC technician.
Vents and Air Purifiers
It is important to vacuum or clean vents, registers, or grilles regularly. This helps to prevent the accumulation of dirt or dust around these structures. Without cleaning the vents, you can increase the risk of unwanted particles floating back through the air. For greater peace of mind, consider installing an air purifier inside of your house. Whole-home or localized air purifiers can help remove allergens and pollutants that otherwise have a detrimental effect on air quality. Some air purifier models can help remove pet odors and smells.
Schedule a Professional Duct Cleaning
If your ductwork becomes clogged with animal hair or fur, these particles can easily end up in other parts of the house. The contaminants can also remain stuck in the ducts themselves and create performance problems for your HVAC system. By scheduling routine cleaning, you can help ensure that your ductwork remains functional and hygienic. An HVAC technician may also use the opportunity to check for undetected holes or tears and seal your ductwork as needed.
Use a HEPA-Filtered Floor Vacuum
As a pet owner, you may find yourself cleaning, sweeping, or vacuuming often. Unfortunately, particles like pet dander or fur can settle into carpets and affect indoor air quality over time. To help remove these particles, consider using a HEPA-filtered vacuum. According to the EPA, HEPA filters can remove up to 99.97% of contaminants as small as 0.3 microns. Types of contaminants that fall into this size range may include dust, mold, pollen, or bacteria. You can also ask about adding a HEPA filter to handheld vacuums to remove allergens and contaminants from your curtains, drapes, or upholstery.
Groom Pets Regularly
Reduce the presence of excessive fur or dander by grooming your pets regularly. You can consult with your veterinarian about recommended grooming standards for your pet breed. For example, dogs or cats with double coats may need brushing daily. Use grooming tools that trap shed hair or fur to prevent strands from ending up in HVAC filters or condenser coils. If your pets have been playing outside, brushing them before they enter the home can help prevent them from tracking grass, pollen, or other pollutants into your house.
Protect Your Outdoor Unit
Just as it is important to safeguard your indoor HVAC equipment, it is essential to protect your outdoor unit. Outdoor equipment may be a target for urine as animals attempt to mark their territory. In particular, urine is a highly acidic liquid that can corrode your outdoor condenser and cause system failure. To help prevent this, try installing a barrier, hedge, or small enclosure around your unit that enables airflow but keeps your animal friend at bay.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to schedule temperature settings in advance and keep indoor conditions consistent even when you are not at home. This prevents your pet from getting too cold or overheated inside of your household. It can also keep your system energy-efficient by preventing your HVAC system from overworking and driving up your utility bill. If you have a zoned system with a motion detector, you can use it to heat or cool the rooms where your pets are moving when you are away. This can be more efficient than heating or cooling the entire house.
Check Humidity Levels
In addition to maintaining stable indoor temperatures, you should also check humidity levels. According to the Department of Energy, ideal indoor humidity levels fall between 30-50%. This is a comfortable range for both humans and pets. In addition, relative indoor humidity should not exceed 60%. Households that are too dry can cause nasal irritation and damage electronics, but homes that are too humid to encourage mold growth. An HVAC technician can use a hygrometer to test humidity levels and install a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier as needed.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance of your HVAC system, you should always keep up with routine HVAC maintenance. These maintenance sessions include a checkup of all components of your HVAC equipment to ensure functionality and conserve the system’s lifespan. The checkup can include an evaluation of your thermostat, evaporator and condenser coils, air filters, fuses, or general wear and tear. You can also ask your technician about a maintenance membership so that you never miss a recommended session.
Optimize Your HVAC System Today
While four-legged friends can enhance your life, they can also require special considerations for your HVAC system. Fortunately, the experts are here to help Thermo Direct to provide residential HVAC services for homes in Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas. Our technicians offer heating and cooling maintenance and repairs. We can install smart thermostats as well as equipment that improves indoor air quality like humidifiers or dehumidifiers. In addition, we can seal ducts and offer ductwork repair or replacement. Reach out about upgrading to a heat pump or mini-split, or sign up for a maintenance agreement for additional savings. No matter the issue, we can help. Contact Thermo Direct today for all HVAC needs.
