Your indoor air quality and the comfort of your home rely on your heating and air conditioning system. The equipment needs maintenance to keep it running smoothly and ensure your home stays at the temperature you want. If there are pets in the home, you’ll need to take a few extra steps.

What Should Pet Owners Know About HVAC Systems?

1. Cover Cables and Vents 

Many heating and air conditioning units are powered by ordinary electrical cables that plug into your home’s outlets, which your pet may try to chew. They also have vent openings, which small pets could fit inside or damage, and sometimes there are exposed hoses or wires. Tape down or install a cord cover over anything your pet might try to chew on. You should also consider closing off the room or installing a pet gate. Not only does this protect your heating and air conditioning equipment, but it also protects your pet from shocks.

2. Change Your Filter

Your heating and air conditioning units have air filters in them that trap dust, keeping the air in your home clean and preventing dust from clogging the unit. Normally, filters need to be changed every one to three months. If you have a dog or cat, pet hair and dander will clog the filter much more quickly. Check it at least once a month. To check whether it needs to be changed, hold it up toward the sun or a light fixture; if you can’t see light through it, it’s clogged. If you find yourself changing filters frequently and the home’s air quality still isn’t high, you can also install a separate air filtration device.

3. Set Your Thermostat

Many people turn down the heating and air conditioning when they leave the house to save electricity and minimize wear and tear on the equipment. When deciding how to set your thermostat, keep your furry friend in mind. They may not need exactly the same temperature as you, but you should make sure they’ll be comfortable and healthy while you’re gone.

For help with heating and air conditioning maintenance to keep you and your pet cool this summer, call Reinke's Heating Air Conditioning & Electrical in Kearney, NE. They recently celebrated 50 years of service to Buffalo County residents. Their certified repair technicians offer HVAC repairs and installations, working with quality brands like Maytag™, Hydron™, Amana®, Coleman™, and Rheem®. For a free quote, call (308) 234-3003 or send a message online.