If you have pets, you know the joy, companionship, and unconditional love they bring into our lives. What you might not know is that having a furry friend can take a toll on your HVAC system and compromise air quality by bringing hair and dander into your home. Here are some practical tips on controlling pet hair and dander for a healthier living environment.
1. Keep up with grooming.
Pet hair and dander can clog up your HVAC air filters very quickly, making your system work overtime. Regularly grooming and brushing your pets helps reduce the amount of hair and dander in the air.
2. Change your air filter every three months.
If you have pets, changing your air filter is one of your most important HVAC maintenance tasks. When air filters are clogged with pet hair and dander, airflow is reduced, and your HVAC system has to work harder to heat your home—increasing your energy costs.
3. Clean your air vents.
When you replace your air filter, take a few minutes to vacuum your air intake and blowout vents to keep air circulating effectively in your home.
4. Have your air ducts professionally cleaned.
Your ducts can also get clogged with pet hair and dander, leading to a buildup of bacteria and viruses. Cleaning your air ducts is a job best left to an HVAC professional like Main Stream Mechanical.
5. Dust and vacuum your home regularly.
Regular dusting and vacuuming can go a long way toward maintaining the performance of your HVAC system.
6. Consider Investing in an air purifier.
An air purifier removes airborne pollutants, making it a great addition to any home with pets—especially if you or family members have allergies. We recommend choosing a purifier with a HEPA filter, as it can capture up to 99.97% of allergens, including pet dander. Place your air purifier(s) where your pets spend the most time.
7. Watch out for wires.
To keep your home, family, and pets safe, be sure to hide any exposed wires to your HVAC system so your fur babies won’t be tempted to chew on them.
Protecting Your HVAC System with Routine Maintenance
Even if you are doing everything noted above, we recommend scheduling annual HVAC maintenance and inspections to ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your heating and cooling system. Contact our comfort specialists today to schedule your appointment.
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