Anyone who has a pet can tell you how quickly they become part of your family. If you are introducing a new pet to your home – or if you are thinking of installing a HVAC system – then there are several potential issues you need to be aware of so your pet doesn’t damage your system and vice versa.
To help prevent any unfortunate incidents, we’ve compiled some handy tips all pet owning HVAC system users should follow:
Check the filter more often
If you have a pet that sheds consistently then one change you need to make is to remember to check if your filter needs changing more often. As pets shed fur and dander this makes its way into your HVAC system and clogs up your filter. A clogged filter means your HVAC system won’t be functioning efficiently. This can cost you money on your energy bills if you don’t check and replace your filter frequently enough.
Switch to a new filter type
If you find that your filter is consistently becoming clogged up with your pet’s fur or dander, then it may be worthwhile changing to a filter with a higher MERV rating. This higher rating means the filter will be more efficient at removing pet dander from the air. Filters with a MERV rating of 8 or above are best suited for pet owners.
Keep your pet and house clean
If you want the filters in your system to last longer then you need to reduce the amount of pet dander that can make its way into your HVAC filter. Make sure that you are regularly vacuuming or sweeping your home to prevent any shed fur from mounting up.
In addition, make sure you give your pet regular baths and combings to help cut down on the amount of dander even further. This can be even more necessary in the summer where certain breeds of dog in particular tend to shed more than at any other time of year.
Check the wires
Loose wires are an appetising prospect for many pets, but especially kittens and puppies. If your pet chews through any exposed wires that are part of your HVAC system, this can cause not only damage to your system but could injure your pet as well. To avoid damage to either your pet or HVAC system, just make sure that any exposed wires are covered in a conduit.
Cover your condensing unit
If your condensing unit is located in your garden where your pet has access to it, then you may experience issues as a result of your pet clawing or biting at the unit or urinating on it. To combat this simply erect a small fence around, or put some covering over, the condensing unit, stopping your pet from getting access to it.
Now you know the dos and don’ts when it comes to looking after your pet and HVAC system. Be sure to visit C. W. Schultz & Son for all your heating, plumbing and air conditioning needs.