Being a pet owner is one of the best joys of life, isn’t it?
You consider your pet as a member of your family and you give them your unconditional love and attention. All of this sounds good but having a pet also doubles your responsibility, especially when it comes to your HVAC system. You might need to take a few extra steps for the maintenance of HVAC systems.
If you have a pet at home, follow these tips for the maintenance of your HVAC systems:
#1. Groom your pets regularly
You need to be aware that your filter is going to get clogged more frequently than a home with no pets. You can mitigate his problem by grooming your furry friend regularly. Grooming your pet regularly will keep hair and dander at bay, reducing the risk of AC filters getting clogged.
#2. Maintain your HVAC system regularly.
Your AC unit needs regular maintenance to operate efficiently and prevent the spread of allergens brought in the house by your pets. Your pet’s hair and dander can block the AC filter, reducing the efficiency of your unit. This may also increase your energy bills. To avoid massive energy bills, schedule maintenance of your HVAC system with the Instant-Air professionals.
#3. Upgrade your HVAC filter
Depending on your family size and lifestyle, it’s recommended to change your AC filters every 1-3 months. However, if you have a pet in your home, the frequency to replace filters is every month. Moreover, we recommend you install HVAC filters with a higher MERV rating for the efficiency of your AC unit. An AC filter with a MERV rating of 8 and higher is the best fit for homes with pets. The MERV filters keep your home free from the airborne allergens, pollutants, and contaminants.
#4. Seal your ducts.
Changing the air filters alone will not keep pet hair from decreasing the efficiency of your AC unit. Remember to monitor AC ducts too. Pet hair and dander can find their way to your HVAC system through damaged AC ducts, reducing the efficiency of your AC unit. Moreover, clogged air ducts can be a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Contact Instant-Air professionals to perform a duct cleaning service and to save you from the trouble. If you decide to clean the ducts yourself, remember to turn off the AC first to prevent hazards like breathing in dirty air.
#5. Cover your condenser unit.
Keep your condenser unit closed. Although they are located outside, your pet can find its way inside and damage the fins. Unfortunately, there is also the possibility of a pet urinating on your condenser unit causing unwanted problems in the future. Make sure to put a fence or any barrier to avoid these situations.
Having pets in our homes brings us great joy and loving companionship. It also adds an extra level of responsibility when monitoring our HVAC systems. If you don’t have time to maintain your systems properly, let the professionals at Instant-Air take care of it for you. Book an appointment now!