Pet
hair can be a real issue in many homes. Shed hair and dander can get
into your HVAC system and reduce efficiency, which makes the system
work harder and can lead to maintenance issues. You can use a few
commonsense tactics to help minimize the stress your pet puts on your
HVAC system.
Use
a Barrier
Pets
poking around your furnace in the basement or the outside compressor
for your AC unit can lead to issues with the HVAC unit and pose a
hazard to your pet. A barrier of some sort solves the problem.
Indoor
Units
The
main concern with an indoor unit is the buildup of pet hair around
vents and valves. Hair can interfere with pilot lights on the
furnace, for example, leading to malfunctions and even fire danger.
Keep doors to furnace rooms closed so that pets can't access the
area. If there are no doors, then install pet gates or a similar
barrier so your dog or cat can't get into the area.
Exterior
Units
Outdoor
units can be exposed to other pet dangers, such as a dog who relieves
himself directly on the unit. A fence around
the unit is the best defense. Fences should be placed one to three
feet away from the unit so that air can still circulate freely.
Picket
fences that allow airflow through the fence but still keep out your
pet work well. If you decide to fence in over the top of the unit,
perhaps to keep cats out, then use a metal mesh so that air can still
circulate around the unit.
Filter
Properly
A
major issue for pet owners is the amount of hair that builds up in
the HVAC units filtration system. The hair can block airflow, which
results in less efficiency and poor heating or cooling.
Standard
Filtration
If
you have a furry pet, you’ll need to change your filters often. To
determine how frequently, start by checking the filter every two
weeks. You should change it when it starts to look dirty. Note each
time you change it. After a while, a pattern will emerge. For
example, you may need to change the filter every two months most of
the year, but monthly during your pet's shedding season.
Additional
Help
You
can further keep even more of the pet hair and dander out of your
HVAC system by adding an additional filter or purifier to your
system. A central air cleaner, for example, is installed in-line with
your current HVAC system. This additional filter helps remove even
more pet hair and dander from the air so that they don't get into
your HVAC unit and cause blockages or other issues.
Clean
Your Ducts
Pet
hair and dander also collects in the ductwork throughout your home,
where it’s then recirculated into the air and pulled back into the
HVAC system.
DIY
Maintenance
You
can minimize hair buildup by implementing some DIY strategies into
your normal cleaning routine. Vacuum out the floor vents and
registers throughout your home once a month to remove some of the pet
hair. Use the hose attachment to get as far into each duct as
possible. Additionally, when sweeping hard floors, be careful not to
sweep the pet hair and dirt into the vents.
Professional
Cleaning
A
professional duct cleaning every two to four years can further
prevent pet hair issues with your air quality and HVAC system. Pet
hair and dander will make its way deep into your ducts, far beyond
what your vacuum can reach. Moisture in the ducts can then lead to
mold or dust mites in the collected hair and dander.
Professional
cleaning solves the problem and further ensures that excess hair
isn't circulating through your HVAC system.
Contact A-1
Finchum Heating & Cooling for more help with your HVAC
maintenance needs.
