5 TIPS FOR PET OWNERS ON HVAC
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Our pets are members of our households, they are family. We want them to be as healthy as possible. In the same way, we want to maintain our homes healthy.
Pets can have a significant impact on your indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency due to fur, dander, and the tracking in of external toxins. But not if you follow these 5 pet-friendly HVAC suggestions.
There is a solution if your pet is causing problems with your HVAC system! Apply these suggestions to your daily home cleaning regimen to keep your pet, home, and family healthy for years to come, whether you have cats, dogs, or any other furry friend.
1. MAKE SURE THE FILTER IS CLEAN.
When you should change your air conditioner filter depends on the type of filter, how often you use it, and whether or not you have pets. If you have pets, your air filter should be changed every 30-60 days.
Whatever the case may be, make sure to check the cleanliness of your air filter every 30 days and replace it as needed. Choosing a better filter is one effective strategy to combat the effects of pet hair and dander on your unit. While HEPA filters are the most effective, the bigger size may necessitate professional modification.
2. MAKE SURE THE DUCTS ARE CLEAN
Dander is a term used to describe the microscopic skin particles shed by animals with fur or feathers. If you are allergic to pets, dander can be a serious concern. Your body may react by coughing, sneezing, wheezing, or developing a stuffy or runny nose if you inhale these microscopic skin particles. Long-term contact with pet dander can cause bronchitis and other respiratory issues.
Air ducts and pet dander are inextricably linked. Pet dander will find its way into the ductwork. When airborne contaminants become trapped in the ductwork, they are stirred up and recirculated throughout the house every time the HVAC system is turned on.
Check for pet hair, dust, and debris in your air ducts. When you see a dirty duct, you’ll recognize it. Professional duct cleaning is recommended every 3-5 years.
3. MAKE SURE YOUR CARPETS ARE CLEAN.
Spring cleaning isn’t only about freshening up the house; it’s also a good time to evaluate and enhance the air quality in your home. Allergens, asthma, and respiratory disease are exacerbated by airborne pollutants, especially during allergy season.
Poor indoor air quality will have a detrimental influence on your family’s health. Indoor air that is excessively polluted might cause the following symptoms:
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headache
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nausea
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dizziness
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coughing
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sneezing
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dryness of eyes
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nose and throat
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flu-like symptoms
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Asthma
The consequences of these factors can be reduced by keeping your home and HVAC system clean. Keep pets off of beds and furnishings to the best of your ability. If you’re looking for a new vacuum, we recommend one with HEPA filtration.
4. PROPERLY GROOM YOUR PET
Your home and indoor air stay cleaner when your pet is clean and its fur is cut. There is less shedding, which means less fur in the filter and ducts.
Brush your dog once or twice a week to minimize dog hair and maintain a clean and healthy coat. You only need to bathe your dog every 2-4 months unless she or he has gotten into something nasty or unclean.
5. PROTECTION OF THE OUTDOOR UNIT
You can’t constantly keep an eye out for pets wandering too close to or becoming intrigued about the outside condenser unit when they’re out in the backyard. A dog, for example, may claw at the unit, causing harm to both the dog and the unit.
If your pet “marks” the device, it may corrode over time, causing serious damage. Consult with a local HVAC professional to choose the best enclosure for keeping dogs and other animals out. While it’s not a good idea to obstruct airflow, you also don’t want animal urine to corrode the fins and coils. Choose a low-profile fence that does not obstruct airflow. Keep it safe from the elements as well as your pets’ curiosity.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR A TUNE-UP!
With professional maintenance twice a year, your heating and cooling system will always operate better and last longer. Have a professional HVAC specialist clean and tune-up your system twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Become a member of The Club and you’ll never have to worry about these vital home maintenance chores again.
High energy expenses are common throughout the warmer months but, so is the colder months now that natural gas is becoming more expensive. When you keep your unit well-maintained, it will run more efficiently, saving you money on your utility bills. Contact us here at Earth Temp HVAC and we can look over what you over look.