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Bringing a new pet into the household is an exciting time. However, your new family member can have an impact on your heating and cooling system. Here are some HVAC changes you might experience and a few tips for keeping your home system in excellent shape.

How Pets Can Impact Your Heating & Cooling System

1. Clogging Filters

Circulating animal hairs are a top reason why HVAC air filters get clogged. Blocked filters put more stress on your ventilation system, making it run less efficiently, which leads to higher energy bills and shorter equipment life. Brushing or bathing your dog or cat regularly reduces the amount of hair in the air, and changing and cleaning air filters more often protects your heating and cooling system. 

2. Reducing Indoor Air Quality

heating-and-coolingYou might notice a decrease in the indoor air quality due to circulating pet dander and odors. As your air conditioning unit or heat pump system operates, it picks up smells from items such as open dog food bowls and cat litter boxes that make the air less fresh.

In addition, you might notice new allergic reactions, such as headaches, sneezing, wheezing, and watery eyes. Dust your home more often using microfiber cloths and mops, which are excellent for picking up and holding animal hair. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to minimize pet dander and odors.  

3. Requiring Temperature Adjustments

If you raise or lower your home temperature while you’re away during the day, it may not be comfortable for the pet you leave behind. Avoid big temperature swings so that your pet doesn’t suffer. If you don’t have an automatic thermostat, consider purchasing one.

 

If having pets in the home is affecting your heating and cooling system, get help from Ronnie Ritchie Service Co Inc. in Waynesboro, VA. Fully licensed, insured, and bonded, this team of HVAC experts has helped local homeowners maintain their air conditioning and heating systems for the past 65 years. Whether you need AC maintenance or furnace repair, count on their fast and reliable service to avoid future problems. Learn more about their services online or schedule a free estimate appointment by calling (540) 942-1415.
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