Do Pets Affect Your HVAC System?

Do you have pets? Do you know how they affect your HVAC system?

It’s not something you usually consider. Yet pets can make both your furnace and air conditioner work a lot harder than necessary to heat and cool your air.

Pets and Vents

Pets have different personalities. Some love heat more than others. And when the temperatures outside start falling, sometimes the warmth blowing out of vents and registers can be inviting. If your pets make it a habit of snuggling up next to vents and registers to stay warm during the day, check them regularly to ensure they don’t close them off. Bumping them to an off position can mess with the load of your equipment. That means your rooms may feel cooler or warmer than intended, and your equipment will operate harder trying to fill the void. That also can mean more repair bills, and a greater chance of your equipment needing replacing before its time.

Pets and Filters

Pet hair can quickly block your vents and registers, and over time, clog your air filter. This impacts how well your HVAC equipment operates as well as how clean your air supply is. If you’re having trouble with allergies or other respiratory ailments, it’s a good idea to change out your air filter on a regular basis.

Pets and Temperature Control

When you have pets, you open and close windows and doors on a more frequent basis. Indoor cats may love fresh air from a cracked window. Dog owners often leave the door ajar so they can come and go at will. Both will leave your furnace and air conditioner operating more inefficiently.

Your indoor air quality depends on an efficient HVAC system. If air can’t move freely throughout the ducts, your home won’t be as comfortable as it could be.

When was the last time you called in a technician to inspect your heating and cooling equipment? It’s the first place to start to ensure a healthier, more comfortable home for you and your family.