Whether cat or dog, having a pet as an extra member of your family means extra responsibility and care when it comes to your HVAC system. Pets affect and are affected by your HVAC unit differently than other members of your household, which is why it is so important to keep in mind how to care for your system with a furry friend in the house.

Check for Exposed Wires
When your HVAC system has wires exposed, they can often resemble a chew toy for your pet. These exposed wires can seem tempting for animals to play with, but should be securely fastened away in conduits so that neither your pet or HVAC system can get harmed.

Change Your Air Filter
Even though you should be changing your system’s air filter on a regular basis, having a pet means that you need to do this even more often. Your air filter can quickly become clogged with fur from your pet, making your system work harder to run, as well as expose your house to allergen ridden airflow. Check and change your filter every month when you have a pet to help increase the quality of your air and your HVAC unit’s lifespan.

Clean Your Pet
Pet dander is a serious threat to clogging your HVAC system, which is why it is important to keep your pet clean. Bathe and brush your pet regularly to help cut down on dander, and also be sure to vacuum and dust a few times a week to pick up any lingering fur before it circles into your unit.

While having a pet may mean a little extra work to maintain your HVAC system, this care will help ensure the health of both your unit and family for many years to come.

For more information on HVAC maintenance tips for pet owners, visit Overland Park Heating and Cooling today.