5 HVAC Tips for Pet Owners
Being a pet owner is one of the best joys of life, isn’t it? Your furry friend is considered a member of the family, and you savor their unconditional love and attention. However, your pet can take a toll on your HVAC system unintentionally if you don’t ensure the system is properly maintained. Here are five tips, all centered around cleaning for pet owners when it comes to your HVAC system.
- Clean your floor vents
See which vents around your house need cleaning by walking around and doing a visual inspection. Pets like to lay on floor vents, so that means pet hair is getting into your vents. You might also notice dust on your vent covers. To clean the floor vents, turn off your HVAC system first. Take the vent covers off and then you can clean them using a duster, soft cloth, brush or vacuum. If you want, you can go the extra step of washing them with soap and water; just be sure they are completely dry before putting them back. Just like a clean air filter, clean floor vents will help with airflow and allow cleaner air to move throughout the house when your furnace is on.
- Clean the rest of your house
Pet dander is a major allergen found in our homes, but it isn’t the only one. Unintentionally, we carry allergens into our homes, including on our pets, children, shoes, clothes and jackets. We recommend washing laundry, dusting, mopping and vacuuming often to remove allergens as much as you can. Natural or fragrance-free cleaning products are the best choice for your home’s indoor air quality too.
- Clean or replace your air filter
Pet hair, dust and other airborne contaminants circulate around your house when you have a dirty air filter. Plus, it makes your HVAC system work harder because of restricted airflow. It is best to check your air filter every 30-90 days to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced.
- Clean your HVAC system through a maintenance appointment
During a maintenance appointment, the technician will clean your HVAC system, so it is clear of pet hair, dust, mold, mildew and other indoor air pollutants and runs as efficiently as possible. The technician will also inspect your HVAC system for any issues that could turn into expensive repairs or replacements. It is important to have your HVAC system checked by a professional twice a year (the air conditioner in the spring and the furnace in the fall). The technician can also tell you if they recommend having your air ducts cleaned.
- Clean the air with an air purifier
In addition to pet dander, an air purifier can neutralize other airborne pollutants, like viruses, mold spores, bacteria, pollen, smoke and chemical odors. Why not invest in one for better indoor air quality? Pick up an air purifier at your local home improvement store or ask Stiles Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing to install one in your home.
These tips will keep your home’s indoor air clean and healthy while you love your pet with all your heart. You can find more information on indoor air quality in this “Care for Your Air” guide from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Call Stiles Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing for even more tips on indoor air quality for pet owners or to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment. We can also check how breathable your air is through an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) evaluation.
