Owners of shedding pets, such as cats and dogs, generally have to pay extra attention to their HVAC systems. This is because such pets can potentially damage a heater or AC system in several ways. Additionally, pet owners have to consider their pets when setting their thermostats. Here is some more information on pets and HVAC systems.
Protect Your Outdoor HVAC Unit
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Pets, especially dogs and cats, can damage an outdoor HVAC unit in several ways. For instance, your dog can urinate on your outdoor air conditioning unit or chew on the unit’s cables. Your cat, on the other hand, can claw at the unit’s fins, causing them to break down. This means that, if you allow your pet to roam free in your backyard unattended, you should pet-proof the outdoor HVAC unit. Some of the strategies you can use to achieve this goal include enclosing the unit in a special cage or installing a fence around the unit. However, your unit needs room for the appropriate amount of airflow. So, keep this in mind if you install a fence around it.
Pet Hair And Dander
Pet dander and hair is likely to affect the quality of your indoor air quality. It also affects the efficiency of your air conditioner or heater. More specifically, if you allow pet hair and dander to build up, they will eventually clog your system’s air filters. In turn, this will reduce the efficiency of your air filter and ultimately, increase your energy consumption and energy costs.
Some of the measures you can take to prevent the buildup of hair and dander is by bathing and brushing your pet regularly. This will ensure your pet does not shed hair and dander throughout your home. Additionally, you should thoroughly clean your home on a regular basis. Of course, if you have several shedding pets, you should replace your system’s air filters at least every month to keep your HVAC system working optimally. This is a general rule of thumb. Some homes require more frequent air filter changes. Be sure to check your filter frequently and change it out when it is dirty. Also, make sure that you schedule an annual heater tune-up and an annual AC tune-up to help keep your system clean. Always hire a reputable heating and cooling contractor.
Thermostat Setting
While setting your temperature higher in the summer and lower in the winter to save energy, always consider the comfort of your pet(s). Adjust your thermostat settings with their needs in mind. The specific setting will depend on the type of pet you have. For instance, dogs generally adapt well to a wide range of temperatures, from cold to hot. However, it is important to remember that pets, too, are susceptible to heat-related illness.
For this reason, you should ensure your dog has plenty of drinking water when you crank up your thermostat. Certain animal behavior can help you know whether your pet is comfortable at certain temperature settings or not. For instance, if the temperature is too high, your dog will likely pant constantly and drink a lot of water. If you own a reptile or an amphibian, you should be more careful when setting your thermostat. These creatures are ectothermic, meaning their body temperatures depend on their surroundings.
HVAC Systems Trenton NJ
If you own a pet, you should pet-proof your HVAC system. Some of the measures you can take to pet-proof your HVAC system include erecting a fence around your outdoor unit, vacuuming your home thoroughly, and keeping your pet clean. Moreover, if you own shedding pets, you should replace your system’s air filters at least once a month. Be sure to schedule annual tune-ups for your heater and air conditioner to promote energy efficiency and optimal performance.
Contact Princeton Heating & Air Conditioning for all of your heating and cooling needs. This includes tune-ups, HVAC repairs, and equipment installation. All of our HVAC contractors are NATE certified which means that you can trust them to have the knowledge and training to get the job done correctly. PFO offers many different home comfort services. For a list of our service options, click here.
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