Pets are an important part of many people’s lives and bring a great deal of happiness to a family. And it’s not unusual for dogs and cats to live inside the home as part of their family. With that comes shedding and cleaning pet hair and fur off furniture, floors and clothing. Often overlooked, however, is what pet hair does to HVAC systems.

What’s the issue with pet hair and my HVAC system?

Your AC and heating system works by sucking air in through intake vents, cooling or heating the air (depending upon the season), then circulating it back into the home through a system of ducts and ductwork. As the return air vents pull air from the home back into the HVAC system, various particles and contaminants also are pulled in: among them dust, dirt…and pet hair. There’s a filter in place that prevents the pet hair and other particles from getting into the HVAC unit and damaging it, but over time that filter becomes clogged.

What happens when the HVAC filter becomes clogged?

As pet hair and other debris clog the filter, air flow is reduced and the HVAC system has to work harder to suck air in. That results in decreased efficiency and higher energy bills. That’s what you’ll notice first. In the long run, the fans and motors that suck the air in can become overworked and break down, causing you to incur high and easily avoidable repair and maintenance costs.

And then there’s pet dander…

Another issue is with the stuff from your dog or cat that doesn’t get trapped by the HVAC system filter because it’s so small. Dander refers to the microscopic flakes of pet skin that is shed along with hair and fur. This can be a major source of allergies when pumped back into your home’s air.

What should I do to protect my AC and heating system if I have pets?

• Check and change your HVAC filter regularly. Depending upon how many pets you have, and what kind, you may need a new filter every 30 to 90 days. It’s a good idea to check it monthly.
• Clean your air vents and ductwork. Pet hair can pile up on registers and grills, and that reduces air flow. Clean them with the brush attachment on your vacuum as often as needed. You may need a professional to remove built-up pet hair, dander and dust inside your ductwork every few years.
• Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear. Make sure the unit doesn’t have debris, including pet hair, leaves and grass clippings, around it.
• Vacuum and dust often. If your have pets, you’re probably already doing this, but regular sweeping, vacuuming, dusting and cleaning your pet’s bedding can make a big difference.

One final piece of advice is to schedule regular maintenance. The professional HVAC technicians at Knight’s Mechanical can identify early warning signs that your AC and heating system is laboring harder than it should to keep your home cool or warm, and can take corrective actions. That, in turn, can prevent costly repairs down the road.