Today at Delaware Heating & Air, we want to discuss how owning a pet can affect your HVAC system’s performance. As homeowners, we know that our beloved pets are wonderful additions to our families. We love them, enjoy their company, and take care of them. But owning a pet comes with multiple responsibilities and upkeep. And if you own a pet, you likely know the struggle of keeping up with pet fur. Did you know that your HVAC system circulates pet fur and dander throughout your home? Since the HVAC system is meant to circulate airflow, this is naturally a result of pet fur and dander being distributed in the process. No big deal, right? Wrong! Left unchecked, pet fur and dander can cause issues for your system. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the effects pet fur can have.
Keep reading for more information:
Will Replacing the Air Filters Affect My HVAC System?
First, if you don’t replace your HVAC system’s air filters by normal industry standards, you risk overworking your system and causing issues like short cycling. Ultimately, this reduces the lifespan of your HVAC system. So the answer is yes; if you do not replace your air filters as suggested, it will affect your HVAC system negatively. Our NATE-certified technicians recommend changing your air filters every 1-2 months. But keep in mind that the duration of which your air filters need to be replaced varies. Every home is different. Therefore, you may need to adjust and check your air filters more frequently when pets are a factor.
Will Using an Air Purifier Alleviate Stress on My HVAC System?
Because air purifiers filter dust, allergens, bacteria, pet fur, dander, and other airborne particles, they are a great option to alleviate any extra stress placed on your HVAC system, thus preventing your system from being overworked. Another benefit of using an air purifier is that it boosts the air quality in your home. So if you have anyone who suffers from allergies in your home, this is a huge advantage!
Will Cleaning the Air Vents & Registers Affect My HVAC System?
Next, think about your vents and registers. How often do they get dusted or cleaned? If you can’t remember the last time you have done so, don’t feel bad. It is a common occurrence for vents and registers to get overlooked. Dust and pet fur can stick to the tops of vents and registers or accumulate in between the slats. When this happens, it can block the airflow from your HVAC system.
Will Using a Barrier Protect My HVAC System?
Do you have a basement in your home? If so, your furnace may be an unenclosed area, meaning it is exposed and out in the open. While this is not always the case with every basement, if this happens to be the case for you, you may want to consider using a barrier to protect your pet and prevent any safety hazards. Of course, this same concept applies to your outdoor unit as well.
- The Indoor Unit- If there is no barrier around your furnace, it is possible your pet may get too close to the pilot light. So using a pet gate, pen, or another means of keeping your pet out is an excellent idea. In addition, it is crucial you keep the vicinity around the furnace free of dust and pet fur buildup. Otherwise, this can be a fire hazard.
- The Outdoor Unit- Your outdoor unit is just as important. The condenser located outside needs to be kept clear of anything that may be obstructing its ability to function correctly. Overall, this area shouldn’t have any plants, objects, or obstructions. So it is in your pet’s best interest if they don’t have free reign of this area. You can use a small picket fence or chicken wire to enclose the outdoor unit. Doing this protects your HVAC system and your pet as well. Sounds like a win-win situation to us!
Our furry family members are irreplaceable. We know you want the best for your pets and your family. Providing a safe and comfortable home for all your family members (pets included), is a priority! At Delaware Heating & Air, our customers are our top priority too! So take a chance on us and allow us to assist you with all of your HVAC needs. All of our technicians are NATE-certified, and we aim to provide excellent customer service for our customers every time! Call (740) 227-8302 or schedule a heating or cooling repair appointment online by clicking here!
