Owning a cat or dog has many wonderful benefits, but a pet can also affect your heating and cooling system. Their curiosity and fondness for treating household objects as toys can damage your equipment or put your pal’s safety at risk. However, with a few precautions, you can avoid any unnecessary HVAC repairs and continue to enjoy your pet’s loving companionship. 

How to Minimize Pet-Related HVAC Repairs

1. Change the Air Filter More Often

Your HVAC's filter plays an important role in promoting indoor air quality and preventing harmful particle buildup. However, in a household with one or more pets, the air filter will accumulate debris much quicker. Try to change it every four weeks to maintain proper airflow. Regular pet grooming and vacuuming could help you to extend this time. However, during the summer, when pets shed more frequently, perform weekly inspections to determine if it should be replaced sooner.

2. Train Dogs to Urinate in a Specific Area

While younger dogs are prone to marking their territory, older ones may be tempted to urinate on something unfamiliar to claim it. A dog relieving itself on your heating and cooling system it could result in corrosion or electrical problems. Avoid costly HVAC repairs by leash-training your pup to urinate in a specific spot. You can also use a potty cue like a brick or provide a fenced-in area. 

3. Install an HVAC Fence

If your pets are given free rein of the yard, then building a fence around your outdoor HVAC components is the best way to protect them. The fence should be installed at least three feet away from the system to ensure air flow into the home is not affected. Also, provide a gap between the panels so air can easily flow through it and prevent overheating.

If your pet had an accident, or your ducts haven't been cleaned in a while, contact the HVAC contractors at ABLE Heat & Cool, LLC in Troy, MO, for effective solutions. This family-owned company has over 30 years of experience in the HVAC repair and service industry and provides affordable maintenance for all heating and cooling brands. Call them today at (636) 528-4794 to discuss their preventative maintenance package options, and visit their website to learn more about their products and services.