HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts

Based on the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, more than 82 million homes own a pet. The largest number of these beloved pets are cats, dogs and other animals who will shed or produce dander in their homes. While it’s a pleasure to own a pet, a few additional steps are necessary to keep your HVAC system running properly. Follow these seven tips for pet-friendly HVAC maintenance:

1. Swap Out or Clean Your Air Filter Consistently

The quality of your indoor air hinges on the state of your air filter because it removes dust, dander and allergens from the air. With pets, you might need to replace it sooner.

“It starts with knowing when to clean or replace the filter,” said Jim Hughes, Director of Field Training with Service Experts, one of the nation’s largest HVAC service and repair companies. “For example, if you have a filter that’s supposed to last three months, you may want to take a look once a month. With pets, a filter gets dirty fast, especially during shedding seasons.”

2. Consider an Air Filter Upgrade

You may also think about getting a higher-rated air filter. Check the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to see the smallest particle size your air filter will trap. For residential use, the ideal MERV rating ranges from five to 13, and the higher the number, the better the filtration. Consider at least a nine or higher to trap dander effectively, Hughes added. A few pet owners also choose a more advanced whole home ventilation and air purification system.

3. Protect Your Air Conditioning’s Condenser

Your air conditioner, particularly the outdoor unit, should be cleaned as part of a comprehensive HVAC tune-up. These systems have heat exchanging coils that gather dirt and other yard debris over the course of a year.  Unfortunately, some pets even urinate on outdoor units, and if they are around it often enough, fur or hair could be pulled into the system, clogging the coils. 

“The acidity in pet urine can actually corrode the air conditioner’s coils and possibly lead to a refrigerant leak,” he said. “And a lot of hair in the condenser will lower the system’s efficiency.” If required, add a small fence around your outdoor unit, but be sure not to block or restrict airflow, Hughes suggests. 

4. Keep up with Your Pet’s Grooming

By brushing your cat or dog regularly, less hair will enter your HVAC system. “I suggest using a vacuum brush to get rid of extra hair from their pets. This way you aren’t dispersing the hair and dander you’re brushing off into the home,” Hughes added.

5. Increase How Often You Vacuum and Clean Return Vents

Running the vacuum more often can limit the amount of hair and dander being pulled into your system. As long as you’re vacuuming, it’s also a good idea to vacuum the return air vents. The placement of return air vents will vary according to your home’s layout. Regardless, you’ll always find return and supply vents. Return air vents draw in air and then filter and redistribute it across your home via the supply vents, so more vacuuming is an extra way to minimize unwanted dust, pet hair and more.

6. Get an HVAC Checkup Biannually

Your HVAC system should be serviced by a professional technician two times each year to ensure everything is running its best, and this is doubly so for homes with pets. When the technician comes to your home, it’s a good idea to ask them about any extra precautions you can take to keep your system running smoothly.

“Your technician is another pair of eyes for you to see how your pets are impacting the system,” Hughes said. “A routine maintenance call is the perfect time to develop a valuable partnership that supports the long-term health of your HVAC system.” 

Explore Duct Cleaning Services 

When your HVAC system’s air filters become clogged, dust and common allergens can make it to the ventilation system, causing more long-term air quality issues. If you’re worried about pet hair and dander, you might want to consider professional duct cleaning services.

“I know some pet owners who schedule duct cleanings every couple of years. It can be well worth the investment whenever pets are involved,” Hughes said. 

To learn more about how to maintain indoor air quality when you own pets, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality/ or schedule your HVAC maintenance tune-up today.