One of the sacrifices that pet owners make is taking extra precautions to keep their HVAC system operating efficiently. There are a few ways your fur babies can affect its normal operation and cause problems that require HVAC service to repair. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to minimize these issues.

How Do Pets Impact Your Heating & Air System?

1. Reduced Indoor Air Quality

As the temperature increases, many pets shed their fur and dander throughout the home. They also bring outdoor contaminants like dirt and pollen inside. Over time, these contaminants work their way into the system’s ductwork.

The system’s air filter is designed to capture these particles, but eventually, it will become clogged. When that happens, pollutants are circulated throughout the home, which reduces indoor air quality. Family members who deal with allergies and respiratory issues may experience an increase in symptoms, such as irritated eyes and nasal congestion.

Avoid these problems with simple HVAC service tasks, such as replacing the air filter at least once per season, cleaning the ducts and registers, and vacuuming regularly to keep the contaminants out of the system.

2. Electrical Issues

Pets that are allowed to freely roam the yard can accidentally cause electrical problems that damage the HVAC system and put themselves in danger. Dogs marking their territory on the outdoor compressor is a common problem. The moisture may penetrate the exterior shell and cause the electrical components to short circuit.

Some pets may even chew on exposed wires. This can cause electrical failure and give them a nasty shock in the process. Regularly inspect the unit to ensure no wires have become loose. For further protection, set up a fence around the condenser so that your pets can’t get to it.

3. Excessive Wear & Tear

People who own pets often run their HVAC system more than those who don’t. That’s because they want to keep the temperature inside at a safe level for their cats and dogs while the humans are at work and school.

This puts added strain on the system and increases the chances that problems occur. A simple solution is to install a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to set a specific schedule that keeps indoor temperatures at a safe level without running the system continuously.

Many models even give you the ability to adjust the temperature via a smartphone app when you’re not at home. This allows you to keep your pets comfortable while maximizing the system’s efficiency.

 

Make sure your home’s HVAC system is safe from these pet-related problems by contacting the experts at Living Comfort HVAC. They have more than 40 years of experience providing local homeowners in the greater Liberty Township, OH, area with quality HVAC services. They’ll inspect your system for signs of trouble and provide fast and reliable repairs to ensure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Call (513) 833-3876 to schedule an appointment or learn more about their services online.