Tips to Keep Your AC Effective in a Pet-Filled Home
You love your pets, but they can affect the performance of your air conditioner. Their fur and dander can hinder a cooling system’s effectiveness and efficiency. Luckily, there are several tips you can follow to ensure your AC continues to keep you and your pets comfortable.
Cleaning and Grooming
Keeping your pets and home clean will minimize the amount of fur and dander that affects your cooling system. Begin by brushing your pets frequently. Do this outside. These regular brushings will catch loose hair before it has a chance to spread throughout your home. You can take this one step further with a good bath every few weeks.
Vacuum and dust regularly. Keeping upholstery and carpets clean is crucial. Remember to dust and vacuum your return air vents, too. This is where pet hair often accumulates.
Frequently clean your pets’ favorite areas, including their bedding, crates, and favorite resting spots. This will reduce hair and dander at its source.
Optimize Your Cooling System
If you have pets, the air filters in your AC can clog much more quickly than in a home without pets. To maintain your AC’s defense against pet debris, check the filters frequently. You may need to change them every one to two months instead of the typical three-month routine. This will help maintain airflow and indoor air quality.
Consider using an air purifier. This can supplement your cooling system’s filter. Look for an air purifier with a HEPA filter and activated carbon to reduce pet odors. Place it in the areas where your pets spend most of their time.
Professional Maintenance and Additional Protection
Schedule an AC tune-up twice a year. Make sure you tell the technician that you have pets. That way, they can look for specific pet-related problems like hair accumulating in the indoor components or exterior coils.
Pet hair and dander can accumulate in your ductwork, too. This also affects your AC’s efficiency and your indoor air quality. Think about scheduling a professional duct cleaning every three to five years.
Your pets can damage your outdoor AC condenser as well. Urinating on it can lead to corrosion, and rubbing it will allow fur to reach the coils. Enclose the condenser with a barrier or fence, but leave at least 2 feet around the unit for proper airflow.
These are all simple, easy-to-do tips that you can incorporate into your normal AC maintenance routine. As a result of your efforts, your home will stay cool and comfortable. Call Crocker Refrigeration Heating & Air in Santa Barbara, CA now to learn more about professional AC services.
