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If you’re a proud owner of a dog or cat, you can probably count a hundred ways they fill your everyday routine with joy and comfort. However, their presence also has some undeniable drawbacks. In addition to those early morning nudges, your pet can negatively affect your HVAC system and the indoor air quality. To breathe easier and protect your heating and cooling system, consider the following guide.

How Pets Affect Heating & Cooling Systems

As dogs run around the living room and cats stretch out on the windowsill, they shed microscopic dead skin cells, just like humans. However, to you and your family, these particles can trigger allergic reactions and irritate asthma as they settle on surfaces and into the carpeting. As you and your pets move about the house, pet dander gets kicked into the air, where it eventually enters the ductwork and moves through the rest of the HVAC system. The air filter traps dander as well as dirt and other particles, but if it’s not cleaned regularly, these particles can circulate throughout your home, building up inside ducts and clinging to vents.

How to Mitigate These Effects

hvacLuckily, you can reduce the strain on your system and the deterioration of your indoor air quality with a few simple steps. Wash your pets regularly to send excess hair, dander, dirt, and other particles down the drain. If you have a dog, bathe them at least once every two weeks; some breeds may require grooming once a week. Indoor cats can be washed every few months, while outdoor cats should be washed almost as often as your dog. This also helps pets keep parasites and fleas at bay.

To prevent the HVAC system from losing efficiency, clean or empty the filter once every month. That way, the filter can continue to do its job without hindering airflow. If you have central air conditioning, hire a professional clean the ductwork at least once a year; pet dander and hair gathers in these passageways.

 

For ductwork cleaning and HVAC maintenance, contact Ashland Furnace Company in Boyd County, KY. They offer heating and cooling solutions for residential, commercial, industrial clients. They also have over 50 years of experience, so count on them to provide efficient, lasting repairs. For more information on how to improve indoor air quality and preserve your HVAC system, call them at (606) 325-3211 or visit the website.

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