Are You a Pet Owner? Here are Tips to Help You Maintain Your HVAC Unit
Posted on March 29, 2018
high five human, dog giving a paw to a handsome man in the house
Pets are adorable and part of family. They bond with us and give us company just like any other family member. However, when it comes to HVAC system maintenance, they present a double responsibility. In more than one way, pets have a direct effect on the quality of indoor air you breath in. While this is not a call to get rid of your pets, you should be extra mindful so that you can secure your health as you share the comfort and warmth with your furry friends.
Ensure You Bathe Your Pet Regularly
Dirt and pollen tend to accumulate in the lovely fur of your pets. For this reason, it makes a lot of sense to bathe them oftentimes. The dirt and pollen have been found to be among the major causes of allergies when circulated in your home. It is therefore prudent to keep your pet clean and avoid such discomforts.
Clean Your House
It is difficult to restrain your pets in one corner and this means they will be moving around your home spreading pet dander and dirt everywhere. To prevent this from becoming a problem to you and other family members, vacuum clean the carpets as well as the furniture. The floor should always be mopped.
Regular HVAC System Maintenance
Depending on your preference and skill level, you may decide to inspect your HVAC system yourself or alternatively hire a HVAC personnel to do the job on your behalf. Whichever way you go, your system must be maintained on a regular basis to prevent allergens from spreading. Pet dander and hair can potentially block your air filter thus causing inefficiencies in your HVAC system. This may cause an increase in your unit’s energy consumption.
Upgrade the Filter of Your System
There are a lot of HVAC filters out in the market for you to choose. If you have a pet or planning to have one, choose a filter that has a high minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. Look for filters that have a rating of 8 and above. These kinds of filters are excellent in filtering out pollutants, airborne allergens, and contaminants.
Seal Your Ducts
Where leaks are present in your duct system, pet dander, and hair can easily find their way into your ductwork.
Because of the role your ductwork plays in transporting air from your HVAC unit throughout your home, ensuring that these ducts are cleaned, sealed, and always inspected makes it easier to manage pet dander and other pollutants.
Hide Any Exposed Wires
Pets are very crafty and curious. When they find wires, they may decide to play with them or even chew. This can cause huge electrification problem and safety concerns as well. Your wires should always be hidden and out of reach not just to your pets, but also children.
One another precaution you should to take in your life with pets is to cover your condenser unit. Even though the condenser is on the outside of your home, pets can easily find their way to where the unit is and damage the fins.