While a pet and your HVAC unit may seem completely unrelated at first thought, cats and dogs can impact these systems. The more you know about how their presence affects your air conditioning system and air quality, the better of a position you’ll be in to strategize with your HVAC contractor about potential solutions. Here’s a guide to the role pets play in the life of HVAC units. 

How Can Pets Impact an HVAC System?

The primary way that pets affect your HVAC units is with their hair and dander. Even the most well-groomed pets will shed, and those particles will inevitably end up in your machine. An air filter will catch them, but it may fill up quickly and become less effective as time goes on. That means that more grime and dust will pass through and work its way into the air you breathe.

As a result, your HVAC unit will have to use more energy to produce the same amount of air, raising your utility bills. The higher strain increases the likelihood of a malfunction and a visit from your HVAC contractor too. Pets can also pose a threat to your second unit if you have a condenser outside on your property. If your dog chooses that spot to mark its territory, the urine can ultimately have a corrosive effect on the unit, leading to damage. 

What Can You Do to Limit That Impact?

The most important step you can take to protect your HVAC units is to change out your air filters more frequently than usual. It’s worth assessing how full it is each month or even every few weeks if you have multiple pets or a resident with asthma. Another option is to invest in pleated filters, which have increased surface area and are able to capture more particles and thus last longer. If you’re not sure how to change your filter, any HVAC contractor should be able to give you a demonstration. 

If your pet has damaged your HVAC unit or you need help with maintenance, reach out to a trusted HVAC contractor like Thomaston Oil. Serving the Thomaston, and Bristol, CT, community for over 30 years, the family-owned and operated oil company has a talented staff of trained professionals who can quickly repair any HVAC unit. Whether you ultimately need a new air conditioning repair or a furnace replacement, the veteran crew is available for 24/7 emergency repair service. Schedule an estimate by calling (860) 283-4878. Learn more about the HVAC contractor by visiting their website.