A pet brings a great deal of love and warmth into a home, but it can also bring a fair bit of mess. Unfortunately, hair, dander, and contaminants that your furry friend carries in from outside can affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. To keep your indoor air clean and your appliance running effectively, follow these steps.

How to Maintain Your HVAC When You Have Pets

1. Change the Filter

Changing the filter regularly is a crucial part of HVAC system maintenance, whether you have pets or not. However, when animals live in your home, you may need to change the filter more often. Generally speaking, pet owners should check the filter every 30 days, and plan to replace it every 30 to 60 days.

2. Clean the Ducts

Pet hair and dander can build up in the ducts of your system, circulate through your house every time it turns on, and cause respiratory issues and allergy flareups. Schedule a professional duct cleaning every three to five years to keep dander under control and your home’s air fresh and clean.

3. Groom Your Pets

The best way to keep pet hair and dander out of your HVAC system is to remove it before it starts flying around. Regular brushing to eliminate excess hair and professional grooming every few months can reduce the number of allergens and contaminants that get into your system, while also helping your pet stay healthy.

4. Tidy Your Home

Another way to keep hair and dander from getting into the ducts is to clean your home regularly. Carpets can attract pet hair that ends up in the air, so vacuum every few days to collect as much debris as possible. Don’t forget to clean upholstered furniture and dust surfaces as well to prevent contaminants from getting into the HVAC system.

5. Protect the Outdoor Unit

Animals can damage the outdoor unit of your HVAC by scratching or chewing cables and other parts. Pets may also urinate on the system, which can lead to corrosion. Supervise animals when they’re outdoors, or surround the unit with breathable fencing to keep them away from it.

If your HVAC system isn’t working as efficiently as it should, the experts at Tri-City Services in Wisconsin Rapids can help. They have over 70 years of experience providing HVAC services, and they’ll help keep your equipment in top shape. Their NATE-certified® technicians also pride themselves on offering dependable service and doing all their work right the first time. To schedule service, call (715) 423-5840 or reach out online.