What Pet Hair Can Do To Your AC Filters

We all love our furry friends, right? They’re family members, after all. But did you know that your pet’s hair can put your air conditioning in a sticky situation? Pet hair can cause adverse effects on your AC filters, causing improper air flow, lower air quality, and harming the overall efficiency of your system. You should change out your filters often for this very reason. Not sure where to start? Here’s our take on what pet hair can do to your AC filters.

What Is An Air Filter?

Your air filter plays a crucial role in your HVAC system by capturing dust, pollen, and yes, pet hair, preventing them from circulating in your home. AC filters come in all shapes and sizes to best fit your specific unit.

The filter’s primary function is to prevent damaging particles from circulating in the air and entering the HVAC system. They are crucial in protecting everyone in your home from outdoor elements and health hazards. Regularly replacing or cleaning the AC air filter is essential to maintain optimal air quality and ensure the efficient operation of the HVAC system. These filters can be found right behind your vent units or near your air ducts.

So What Can Petl Hair Do To Your AC Filters?

When your pets shed, that hair doesn’t magically disappear. Instead, it can get sucked right into your HVAC system through your vents. That’s where the importance of a filter comes in. Without proper filter replacements, excess hair can get stuck in your evaporator coil, blower motor, or fan blades. This can cause major issues within your unit.

Remember, your HVAC unit also creates condensation, causing any trapped hair to clump together, causing mold and bacteria that can then be spread through your vents, causing lower air quality and bad odors.

Even with a filter, pet hair can still pose risks as it’s drawn towards the HVAC system, leading to quicker clogging and strain on the system, potentially resulting in higher energy bills and more breakdowns if not regularly exchanged or cleaned.

Caring For Your AC Filters With Pets

Maintaining your AC filters is easy enough, even with your loving pets in your home. Here are a few tips to care for your filters now that you know what animal hair can do to your AC filters.

• Change the filter regularly: Plan on changing your AC filter every 30 to 90 days. However, this may depend on the total number of pets you have, and how much they shed.

• Cleaning your air vents: Pet hair collects around air vents and grilles over time, which can block airflow. A brush attachment on your vacuum can come in handy to clean them regularly. However, consider hiring a professional to remove accumulated pet hair from your ducts every few years.
• Keep your pet properly groomed: Make sure to bathe and brush your pets regularly to prevent excess shedding. It might be a good idea to brush them outdoors or sweep the area thoroughly afterward.
• Keep your home tidy: While your vents may see a lot of pet hair, it’s not the only place you’ll find it. Pet hair can settle on any surface in your home, from carpet to hardwood corners. Make sure to clean your home regularly by vacuuming and sweeping the spaces where your pet normally goes.
• Protect your outdoor unit: Keeping your outdoor unit in check is a great way to prevent any issues indoors. Make sure your HVAC unit is free of debris, dirt, or other hazards to keep it working smoothly, just in case it has to work a little harder due to pet hair.
• Schedule regular maintenance: You should have an HVAC technician inspect your unit at least once a year. Regular maintenance can help fix smaller issues before they become larger problems, clean any parts of the unit you’ve missed, or repair major issues as they arise.

Indoor Air Quality Services with Beach Air HVAC

Turn to expert advice and solutions when you’re tired of excess pet hair affecting your HVAC system and indoor air quality. Beach Air HVAC are your trusted local HVAC technicians ready to take on any problems you may have year-round. Learn more about how we can help or give us a call at 843-796-3798 for a consultation.