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| Puss Puss the cat adopted us last October |
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Owning pets, whether it's adorable puppies or kittens, fills your home with so much joy. Unfortunately, it also can
fill your house with lots of fur and dander. One aspect of pet ownership,
which many owners don't consider, is the effect their pets have on their
home's HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. If you are
a pet owner, here's what you should be doing to take care of your HVAC
system and keep it operating at its best.
Groom Regularly
Keeping your dog or cat groomed isn't just a great way to keep them clean
and looking their best. A well-groomed animal causes less mess around the home. Regular brushing is highly effective at keeping your house from being
overrun by fur. It removes the fur into the brush, where it can be easily
disposed of. This way, it doesn't get in your heating and cooling ducts
and clog up the system.
Vacuum and Sweep
No matter how diligent you are with grooming it's likely that your pets
will still shed in your house. By maintaining a consistent vacuuming or
sweeping plan you remove the loose fur before it has a chance to get
sucked into a vent where it clogs up your HVAC system.
Maintain Moderate Temperatures
One way to lower your energy bill and reduce the strain being placed on
your HVAC system is to lower the temperature during the day or while you
are at work. A 10-degree decrease, while you are at work, could save you 10% on your electric bill, and your animal's fur will keep them plenty warm until you come
home.
Clean Your HVAC System
Although regular seasonal maintenance should be handled by professionals,
you can still maintain your HVAC system between their visits. As a pet
owner, your system may be getting clogged more quickly. Always check your
filters monthly, or according to the manufacturer's recommendation, and
replace them if needed. Then, check your ducts and vents. Remove any fur
buildup to maintain unencumbered airflow.
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| Archie the golden labrador |
Install an Air Purifier
If you find that despite maintenance and cleaning, you're still seeing
high levels of fur and other buildup in your HVAC system, an air purifier
can help. Purifiers cycle your home's air through a filter in the unit, catching any debris in the air
and removing it before it has the chance to get stuck in your HVAC system
and lead to the need for more costly repair or cleaning.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
It's recommended that you should service your HVAC unit at least once a
year. Having above-average dust and debris in the air, which pets can
contribute to, may lead to the need to service more regularly. If you find
signs your unit is not operating correctly, such as decreased airflow or
unseasonably high energy consumption, call a professional to provide a
full-service treatment and restore it to prime condition.
Living with pets is worth the extra effort they demand, but it's
important to put in that extra effort. Neglecting the little things in the
short term can lead to expensive repairs in the long term. By following
these tips you'll keep your HVAC unit working at its best.