Pet owners have many responsibilities. Paying closer attention to the HVAC system is among the most important of all. It’s easy to overlook this situation until it actually affects your indoor air quality, but contaminants such as pet dander and fur can cause blockages that compromise both your comfort and the unit’s efficiency. You can avoid AC repairs and improve system performance by taking a few proactive steps. 

How Pet Owners Can Maintain Their HVAC Systems

1. Clean Your Pet Often

You may love to stroke your furry friend’s soft coat, but pet hair is a convenient vehicle for transporting allergens into your house. The soft hairs can hold on to dust, dander, and dirt, all of which can cling to surfaces—despite your best efforts to keep the house clean. If the pollutants migrate to the air ducts, they’ll travel through the house whenever you turn on the air conditioner. Regular bathing and grooming can minimize allergen buildup on pet hair and prevent it from clogging the system.

2. Clean the House Regularly

Although you can’t completely eradicate microscopic pet dander and other particles that disturb indoor air quality, maintaining a clean house is an effective way to control it. Mop and vacuum floors, wipe down counters, and clean furnishings to prevent fur and dander from settling around your house. Be sure to vacuum the air vents, as well, to clear away any fur that might linger.

3. Inspect the Outdoor Unit

Whenever your pets play outside, there’s a strong chance they’ll come into contact with the condenser unit. This is a vital component that absorbs indoor heat so that the system can cool down your house. Dogs, unfortunately, can mark their territory directly on the unit. Because waste is corrosive and pets tend to go in the same place whenever they can, it will not take long for the unit to experience structural damage. If it deteriorates, you may need to schedule AC repairs to replace the coil; if the damage is significant, your AC installation contractor may recommend replacing the unit entirely.

4. Replace the Air Filter

It’s best to replace the air filters at least once every three months, but if you have a pet, you may want to change them more frequently. They’ll likely clog up more quickly because of the volume of dander, debris, and dirt that continuously circulates in the house. This will protect your indoor air quality.

5. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

It’s best to have an HVAC technician inspect your air conditioning system at least twice a year. Even when you do your part to maintain your home, they can inspect the unit for small problems that might require immediate AC repairs and provide you with suggestions to improve the system’s efficiency as a pet owner.

Pet owners throughout Enterprise, AL, trust in the AC installation professionals at Woodall Heating & Cooling to help them stay comfortable year-round. Offering expert AC repair services, the family-owned company has more than 40 years of industry experience. They work with many of the industry’s leading brands, and can help improve your indoor air quality and unit’s efficiency, especially if you have pets. Visit them online or call (334) 347-1243 to learn more about their services,