Anyone who shares his or her home with a furry friend knows that pet ownership comes with a lot of responsibility. Smart pet owners think about what they can provide in terms of love, care, and if they can afford to properly care for an animal before committing.

But, there are some things that even the best pet owners don’t think about, like how owning a pet affects the care and maintenance of their HVAC system.

Here are a few HVAC tips for pet owners.

Replace the Filters

Pet hair and dander float through the air and collect in HVAC filters. This can cause filters to get dirty, clogged and need replacement more frequently. On average, air filters in your home should be replaced every 6 months. Pet owners with low-shed animals should consider changing their filters every 3 months, while homes with animals that shed heavily should consider changing them every month.

Adopt a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Having pets in the home usually means adding a few steps to the weekly house-cleaning list. Some of these things are incredibly important for maintaining your HVAC system. Sweeping, vacuuming and dusting regularly help to reduce the amount of pet hair and dander that makes its way into your vents.

Bathe and Brush Your Pet

A clean pet makes for a clean HVAC system. Bathing and brushing your pet regularly reduces the amount of hair and dander that your pet sheds throughout the day. Plus, if you have anyone in your home with allergies, regularly grooming your pets can help reduce symptoms.

Clean Ducts Regularly

While grooming your pets and keeping your home extra clean will reduce some of the issues, there’s just no way to completely negate the effects of pet ownership on your HVAC system. So, it’s extra important to keep up with a schedule of regular maintenance that includes having your air ducts cleaned.

Adjust the Thermostat

All that soft fur that makes your pet so cuddly also helps them regulate their body temperature. You probably have the thermostat set at a temperature that’s comfortable to you while you’re home, but it isn’t necessary to maintain that same temperature while you’re away.

For example, your pets are fine at 68°F instead of 72°F in the winter, and you can turn down the AC in the summer. This will save you money on your heating and cooling bills and reduce the stress on your HVAC system.

Fence Off the Outdoor AC Unit

HVAC equipment can be costly to replace, so every preventative measure should be taken to keep it safe. Outdoor AC units should be fenced off, especially if you have a dog that might not be able to tell the difference between your AC unit and a tree. It’s also a good idea to fence off your AC, even if you don’t have pets, to protect it from backyard critters.

A well-maintained HVAC system is one that will last for years. We’d like to help keep your HVAC system in top shape. Contact Hearthstone Heating & Air Conditioning for a complete maintenance check of your HVAC system, so you and your pets can be comfortable all year round.