Keeping your HVAC in top working condition is beneficial in a few big ways.

First, a properly functioning system keeps you comfortable inside no matter what the weather is doing outside.

Secondly, an efficiently running system saves on monthly heating and cooling bills.

HVAC efficiency also helps prolong the life of your system so the return on your investment is bigger and better.

There are things you are probably already doing to prolong the life and efficiency of your HVAC system. Changing the air filters regularly, keeping scheduled maintenance appointments and cleaning air ducts and return vents are all good for your system.

If you have pets, especially those that shed or are just starting out in life, what more can you do to keep your HVAC clean and running efficiently?

Here are the ways pets can impact your HVAC system and what you can do to offset potential problems down the road.

Pets vs. HVAC System

If you have a pet with long hair and/or one that sheds a lot, your clothing and furniture aren’t the only items collecting hair.

The fur, tufts of hair and hair from daily shedding can all end up in your HVAC system’s air filter and get trapped inside air and return vents.

Solution

  • Keep your pets well groomed. Brush or comb long-haired pets daily or often during the week.
  • A good grooming loosens up and collects hair in the brush to avoid the excess blowing all over your home and ending up in your vents, duct work and air filters.
  • Another thing you can do, especially if you have multiple pets, is to change your air filters more often. Also, dust, mop and clean the vents frequently.

Watch Chewing Habits

Both cats and dogs are curious and like chewing on things, so make sure your pets are not chewing on hoses, insulation and wires inside any lines or duct runs.

Inside, cats like to explore and may crawl inside ductwork to stay warm or to hide, which is another way pet hair gets inside your HVAC system.

Because cats are jumpers and climbers, make sure they’re not honing their claws on exposed insulation runs in the ceiling. If they are able to get into crawlspaces, the ductwork or in the ceiling between floor joists where soft insulated heat runs are found, they just might be scratching holes in there.

The damage this causes is messy, promotes water leaks and isn’t safe for them.

If you have dogs, they tend to cause more damage outside around the AC unit. If your dog likes to dig or chew, watch him around the insulation, lines and wires connected to the outdoor AC unit.

Solution

  • Give your pets plenty of attention and exercise.
  • Kittens and cats need exercise and play time. Once they find toys they enjoy playing with and scratching posts to hone those claws, they’re less likely to focus on the HVAC system.
  • If possible, close up any areas where cats can jump into ceilings, duct runs or crawlspaces. Keeping them out of places where they can cause damage is your best defense.
  • For dogs, protect outdoor AC units with a fence or dense shrubs to discourage them from going near it.
  • Decrease your dog’s digging/chewing behaviors and high energy levels by giving them plenty of daily exercise and bone as a reward for good behavior.

Potty Training

It’s important when potty training a puppy, especially a male puppy, to teach him that the outdoor AC unit and all its moving parts is not a place to relieve himself.

Over time, the constant moisture and proteins in a male dog’s urine can damage and decrease the life of your AC unit.

Solution

  • Install a fence or dense shrubs around the AC unit so your best canine friend finds other places to do his business.

Conclusion

With proper care and attention, you can enjoy your pets without having to worry about how their hair and behaviors can wreak havoc with your HVAC system.

In Sonoma County, reach out to Dale HCS for scheduled cleaning and maintenance of your HVAC system to keep you and your pets safe and comfortable year-round.