Whether it’s summer or wintertime, you rely on your heating and air system to provide seasonal comfort year-round. But if there’s a cat, dog, or other pet in the home, it can affect the way your heating and cooling unit operates. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to welcome a new furry or feathered loved one into the family, as well as ways to prevent them from affecting your home’s HVAC system.

How Pets Can Affect Your HVAC System 

1. Outdoor Debris

After playing in the yard, Fido or Whiskers is ready to come back inside. Unfortunately, leaves, twigs, and dirt can get trapped in their fur. The debris may end up in your home’s air vents, which can stop proper air circulation.

To help prevent this, get in the habit of brushing away the outdoors from your pet’s fur before they enter the house. Heating and air system technicians also suggest that vents are cleaned periodically. 

2. Shedding & Dander

Most established pet lovers agree that fur shedding comes with having a dog or cat in the home. The hair strands can travel into your heating and cooling system’s vents and air filters causing them to clog and stop airflow.

Schedule regular grooming appointments that include trims to minimize shedding and dander, which are small particles of skin that can also end up in air filters. Filters should also be changed monthly. 

3. Damaged Unit

If your home’s heating and air system comes with an outdoor condenser, be extra vigilant. Dogs and cats often mark their territory with urine.

If the condenser is one of their preferred spots, the liquid waste can cause the evaporator coils to rust and corrode. Keep your pets away from the area by installing a fence or other enclosure around the entire unit. 

If you’re preparing to welcome a new pet into your home, Apollo Refrigeration in Hamden, CT, can ensure your HVAC system is ready too. For nearly 50 years, the licensed, bonded, and insured contractor has provided superior installation, maintenance and repair services. You can count on the locally-owned firm to get the job done right the first time. To learn more about your home’s heating and air unit, call (203) 777-6291. Visit the website for the full lineup of services.