Written on: July 7, 2021
Having a pet—or multiple pets—when you have an HVAC unit can create challenges in keeping your home heating and cooling equipment running as efficiently as possible. Pet fur can also have an impact on your Western New York’s indoor air quality (IAQ). Here are a few different issues that can lead to bigger problems if they’re not addressed regularly, and easy ways to deal with them!
Avoid blocked filters and an overworked system by staying on top of your pet’s fur—especially if you have a long-haired cat or dog, or multiple pets. Fur buildup can lead to a hike in your bills as your system will need to work harder to heat or cool your home, and you’ll have a higher chance of the system breaking down.
The best ways to do this are to keep up with your annual HVAC tune-ups, and to keep your floors clean. We recommend mopping hardwood floors and vacuuming rugs with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. It’s also a good idea to check your HVAC’s air filter, and clean or replace it at least as often as your manual recommends.
Duct cleaning is also worth looking into. If your pet is at least five years old, having a professional duct cleaning performed can make a big difference in the air quality and HVAC performance in your home.
The dry, dead pet skin that can travel through your home by way of a forced-air system, along with other particles and allergens, really affects your home’s IAQ. This pertains to forced-air systems (meaning a system with vents, not radiators or baseboards). We recommend combatting pet dander by brushing and bathing your pet as often as possible and having a whole-house air purifier installed.
Pet doors help us out quite a bit, but if they let air into or out of your home, they could create more problems than they solve. The best way to address this is to ensure that your pet door is sealed very well. If it’s installed properly in the first place this should not be an issue, but it’s worth checking out. You can also check all doors and windows, as a bit of weather sealant added to these small areas can make a world of difference in terms of your HVAC’s performance—and your bottom line!
Outdoor condenser units that also serve as territory markers for pets can become problematic—and expensive—for homeowners. It’s important to protect the unit’s coils from degrading, as damage to the coils could result in a refrigerant leak.
An effective solution to this problem is having a fence installed around your AC condenser. However, if you take this route, have your technician ensure that the fence is not creating a disruption in the air flow.
When you need service, an installation or a tune-up, Hometowne Energy is here for you. Contact us today to request service or find out if you’re in our service area!