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| Puss Puss the cat adopted us last October |
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Owning pets 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.
