How to Pet-Proof Your HVAC System
We love their wet noses and sloppy kisses, relish their human-like behavior and scratch those furry butts just to see their tails wag. Our pets fill our hearts and homes with so much love, but unfortunately, they also fill our HVAC systems with some very unwanted debris.
There are some very common issues that occur when it comes to balancing your home’s air quality and your pets natural (and of course forgivable) messiness. Don’t worry – you will never have to choose between keeping your HVAC clean and keeping your furry friends around. There are plenty of easy ways to ensure that the air you’re breathing is safe and clean, no matter the type of pet you have in your home.
Keep Your Wires Safe
Most home air conditioning units in Arizona have an outdoor unit. Typically installed in the backyard or at the side of the house, these outdoor condenser units are just another item in your dog’s backyard kingdom. That is until your pooch notices those interesting exposed wires that run from the condenser unit into your home.
Prevent Erosion of Your Condenser
A dog, even a really smart dog, cannot tell the difference between a tree stump and your condenser when they are looking for something to urinate on. Many people opt to use condenser covers to protect against the natural elements, but those covers won’t do much to protect your unit from urine.
Over time, and with consistent urination, your outdoor condenser may begin to show signs of wear like eroding fins, which may, in turn, lead to larger condenser issues like refrigerant leaks which can be very expensive to repair. To prevent this, you can do one of two things. One, train your dog to avoid the area where the condenser is all together, or two, put up a small fence or another reasonable barrier to prevent your dog from accessing the area at all.
Keep Fur Under Control
You see it every time you sweep, dust, or vacuum your home – pet hair gets everywhere. And it’s not just the pet hair that gets everywhere either. Though you may not see it, pet dander is not only a household nuisance, but it is also a common contributor to allergies and asthma flare-ups.
No matter how on top of your home cleaning routine you may be, tiny little pet hairs and flecks of near-invisible dander can easily become airborne, making their way into HVAC’s intake.
Once inside your system, pet hair and dander should be caught by the air filter, but not all air filters are clean enough or tough enough to handle the onslaught. If you’re not careful about keeping your filters and your vents clean from dander and fur, you may end up with fur-wrapped coils and fur clogs that can seriously damage your system.
There are a few things that you can do to keep the pet hair and dander from wrecking your system. First, change your filters regularly. Second, keep your home as clean as possible, and inspect your air intakes for buildup and hair which you can clean off. Third, wash and brush your furry children often to keep the fur under control and out of your air system. Fourth and finally, invest in a regular HVAC maintenance plan that can keep your system fur-free and always running perfectly.
