Adding a new cat or dog to the family can make a home feel much warmer, but it can also increase the allergens like dander and pet hair found around your household. Your HVAC system, which purifies indoor air, will help keep your house fresh, but there are a few steps you should take to ensure it can do a good job after a furry friend moves in. Follow the guidelines below to prevent HVAC repairs and keep your unit operating smoothly in a household with pets.

How to Safeguard an HVAC From Your Pets

Indoors

Your air filter is responsible for blocking debris from entering HVAC ducts. Air flow decreases when it’s clogged, and the system will work harder to keep rooms at the right temperature. This can lead to overheating and excessive wear on essential components, resulting in costly HVAC repairs.

To prevent clogging, the average household should get their air filter replaced every 90 days, but in a home with pets, this rate increases to once a month. Routinely check all your supply and return vents to ensure they are free of dust and fur and unobstructed by any objects, including pet accessories.

Outdoors

When training your new dog to relieve itself outside, pick a spot far away from your outdoor condensing unit to prevent them from urinating on coils and fins. Avoid emergency HVAC repairs and potential injury to your pet by wrapping any exposed wiring in metal conduit tubing so they don’t chew on them. If you’re still worried about your new friend harming or getting warmed by your unit, consider installing a fence around it.

In addition to safeguarding your HVAC system from furry family members, remember to schedule regular maintenance to keep your unit in top shape. Hands On Heating Inc. provides residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC repairs, maintenance, installation, and 24-hour emergency service to the areas surrounding Stratford, CT. Visit their website to learn more about the services they provide, or call (646) 403-5370 to schedule an inspection.