As a pet owner, you know how important it is to clean up after your furry friends. While it’s easy enough to vacuum floors and wipe down surfaces, you might not realize the toll they can take on the HVAC system as well. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to improve its condition and your indoor air quality. Here’s what all pet parents should know.

How Pet Owners Can Maintain Their HVAC Systems

1. Change the Filter

Over time, fur, dust, and dander build in your HVAC’s air filter. The more blocked it is, the less efficiently air can flow throughout the home. Therefore, replacing it at least once a month is a smart way to ensure that your air remains clean and your cooling system runs efficiently.

2. Shield the Unit

It’s not unusual for pets to mark their territory on your HVAC’s outdoor components. That can cause slow deterioration of the metal, which, in turn, can cause the refrigerant coil to corrode. You can prevent that by creating a barrier, like a fence, to prevent easy access to the appliance. This may also help keep out debris that might otherwise catch in the fans.

3. Clean the Vents

While you’re vacuuming the floors, make sure you clean the air vents at the same time. It’s more effective to use the hose attachment so the machine can efficiently suck away all of the dust, hair, and dander that might otherwise cause an obstruction and reduce air quality.

4. Keep Pets Comfy

Just as you rely on the cooling and heating system to provide you with year-round comfort, so do your pets. Don’t program the thermostat to turn off when you leave the house if your furry friend is staying behind. The Alliance to Save Energy suggests setting it to anywhere from 78°-80°, which will save you money without sacrificing your pet’s well-being.  

Providing homeowners throughout greater Broken Arrow and Tulsa, OK, with reliable HVAC services, the team at Tom Hundley Heating & Cooling is committed to your comfort. They perform everything from air conditioning maintenance to heater repairs and proudly serve residential, commercial, and industrial clients alike. Visit them online to learn about their heating and cooling services, or call (918) 455-5993 to schedule an appointment.