There is no denying that adding a furry friend to your family can bring several changes to the home. While most of your family’s focus will be on purchasing the right cat food or taking your dog for a walk, it’s important to understand how a new pet can affect your heating and cooling system. A new pet may require that you make a few changes to your HVAC maintenance routine.

How Do Pets Affect Your Heating & Cooling System?

1. Potential Damage to Outdoor Condensers

Outdoor dogs like to mark their territory, but be sure they aren’t going to the bathroom on your outdoor condenser unit. Repeated exposure to pet urine can degrade the coils, resulting in extra repairs. Keep dogs away from the unit with a small fence.

2. More Frequent Air Filter Changes

Pets shed, and their loose hairs can easily get into the air. When this happens, HVAC filters will likely get clogged with hair and other debris sooner than usual. This will force the system to work harder to heat or cool your home, driving up utility bills. Consider replacing your air filters every month or two, and be sure to vacuum regularly to pick up loose hairs before they get into your air ducts.

3. Be Mindful of the Thermostat

You may have previously programmed your thermostat to allow for higher temperatures while you were at work during the day, but you may want to rethink this if you have an indoor pet. Temperatures that are uncomfortable for you can also be uncomfortable and even dangerous for your animals. You will likely need to keep your home at more consistent temperatures throughout the day.

From routine maintenance to 24/7 emergency air conditioning repairs, you can count on Donovan & Jorgenson for all of your heating and cooling needs. Serving the Greater Milwaukee, WI, area since 1985, this HVAC contractor provides reliable year-round service to keep your system working like it should. To learn more about their work or request a free estimate, visit them online.