Do Pets Affect Your HVAC Performance?

May 20, 2022 | Pets, Blog, HVAC, Kettering, Kettering-Oakwood, Maintenance, Oakwood, OH, Ohio

When you have pets, you must treat them well so that they can thrive. The truth is that regulating temperatures in the heat can be difficult for dogs, cats, and other types of pets. Apart from panting, our pets rely on external cooling sources to cool off. Therefore, maintaining a well-operating HVAC system in the summer proves vital for our furry friends and ourselves! Likewise, your pets influence your HVAC system. Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air wants to help educate you on some dos & don’ts for maintaining a proper environment for yourself, your pets, and your HVAC system.

How Does Pet-Grooming Benefit Your HVAC System?

Grooming your pets is essential for their well-being and yours! Besides being more hygienic, healthy and shiny coats shed less and smell better. Dander accounts for a considerable portion of indoor allergens within pets’ homes. While your HVAC system can help filter out this dander, a massive accumulation of it can reak havoc on your system, causing clogged ducts and poor indoor air quality. Being proactive can better maintain those pesky pet odors and airborne allergens!

Why is it Essential to Put a Barrier Around my AC Unit?

Even if you don’t have pets, you should still consider putting up a barrier around your AC unit. You never know what stray animals are sniffing around your system. Animals are very territorial, and if they smell a stranger’s scent emitting from your unit, there is a considerable risk for “territory marking.” Urine is acidic, so while your system was manufactured to withstand the outer elements, it was not made to weather pee. The acidity of urine can quickly cause corrosion which can lead to structural damage, and if the urine reaches the condenser coils can lead to a freon leak. Freon is a dangerous gas, and the price to replace this coil is not low! You can even install a barrier yourself! Just remember to leave room between the fence and your system so it isn’t suffocated.

What Are the Dangers of AC Wiring in a Pet-Friendly Home?

If AC wiring is uncovered and in your pets’ reach, this is a cause for concern. Wires can quickly become a temptation for your dog or cat to chew. If they are successful, chewing on AC wiring can lead to oral burns and electrocution. These injuries are very common and not to be taken lightly. Additionally, damaged wiring can render your air conditioner inoperative and even lead to a house fire, putting everyone at risk.

We hope this information has been beneficial to you and your fur babies! If you have any additional questions or concerns, our staff at Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air would be more than happy to be of assistance! Pet owners know their four-legged friends are a huge responsibility, and your HVAC system is a commitment also. However, that does not mean it has to be complicated! Let us help make your life a little simpler! Call today at (937) 502-3842, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!