Pets, HVAC and Air Quality: Vacuuming, HVAC Maintenance
In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the simplest air quality and HVAC tips out there for those who have pets in their homes. Dogs, cats and other fur-balls can be some of our best friends and companions, but they can also introduce a few additional considerations to how you manage your home’s heating, air and air quality.
At Accurate Air, we’re happy to offer a number of heating and air conditioning products and services to our clients, including industry-leading Trane equipment for many needs — and we also offer indoor air quality services ranging from duct cleaning to air purification and several others. Here are some more tips from our HVAC pros on how to keep your system in great shape even with multiple pets and their fur/dander in the home.
Regular Vacuuming
Vacuuming is something that should be done in all homes regardless of whether or not you have pets, but it’s even more important when you do have them. Be sure to vacuum regularly, especially in areas where your pets spend a lot of time (on and around pet beds, for example).
A good rule of thumb is to vacuum at least once a week with a powerful vacuum that has a HEPA filter — this will do a great job of removing pet hair, dander and other allergens from your floors and upholstery.
Protecting the Outdoor AC Unit
If you have pets that spend lots of time outdoors, particularly dogs who will be in the back yard and often be in the general area of your outdoor AC unit, it’s important to take a few precautions. The first is to make sure the unit itself is well-protected so that your pet can’t damage it or get hurt by it.
You’ll also want to be sure that there’s plenty of clearance around the unit — at least two feet on all sides, and more if possible. This is because AC units utilize suction to work, and if there’s too much debris or pet hair around the unit it can reduce its efficiency or cause it to overheat.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
Finally, one of the best things you can do to manage your HVAC system and keep it running smoothly (even with pets in the house) is to make sure you’re scheduling regular maintenance appointments.
Most manufacturers recommend having your system serviced at least once a year — typically in the spring for AC units and in the fall for heating units. This allows a trained technician to clean and inspect the unit, identify any potential issues and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.
If you have pets and want to ensure your HVAC system is always running at peak efficiency, be sure to follow these tips! And of course, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Accurate Air for all your needs in these and related heating and air areas.
