Heating and air conditioning do bring positive health effects for pets and their owners, but unfortunately, the habits of pets aren’t always the healthiest for your HVAC system. If you ignore these potential issues, you may find yourself calling for mid-summer AC repair from your local HVAC contractors. Here are some common issues that pets can cause with your home HVAC service.
Clogs and Blockages
Filters and ductwork can accumulate a lot of pet dander and fur, meaning they need more frequent cleaning and changes on average than a pet-less home. Older HVAC equipment can get clogged up by pet fur and dander particularly quickly. Check when your equipment was installed and inspected last. Of homes built in the 1980s, around 20% have HVAC equipment that is well over 20 years old. If your heating and air conditioning is getting clogged constantly, you may need an equipment upgrade to something newer.
Interrupting Potty Time
When animals first encounter noisy, weird machinery like an HVAC system, they could be put off by it. Unfortunately, this could also interrupt their routines like using the bathroom. Cats especially dislike noise and moving air currents around their litter box, so having a vent nearby their box is not recommended. Some units, like ductless air conditioners, feature outdoor components. Dogs may be alarmed about an HVAC unit on their daily walks and avoid that area. Some dogs are simply curious about the unit and want to approach it. Don’t let them urinate on or near the outdoor unit, as it could corrode the metal and damage the unit.
Circulating Odors and Moisture
Animals can produce a myriad of stinky odors, and potentially track extra moisture into your home from outside (think a damp dog running in before you can grab the towel). If you’re not proactive in eliminating these odors, your heating and air conditioning may just circulate the scents and mold-causing moisture around the home. Keep litter boxes scooped, cage bedding fresh, and damp messes wiped up.
Pets and HVAC can live in harmony, but make sure you take the necessary precautions! Remember that one of the best ways to prevent a damaged or ineffective HVAC system is to get it inspected regularly. If you live in San Pedro and think there’s an issue with your own system, pet-related or otherwise, call the HVAC Pros today.
