What Can Animal Hair Do to My AC Filter?

Pets can be found in millions of homes. You probably consider your dog or cat a beloved family member and want to keep them well-cared for.

Unfortunately, pet hair can be a constant struggle as it affects your air conditioning system. But with routine maintenance, you can ensure adequate airflow and protect your air conditioner from harm.

How Do AC Air Filters Work, and Why Are They Important?

Air filters are one of the most important parts of any forced-air HVAC system. Your air filter captures airborne contaminants, such as dust, pollen and pet hair, stopping them from spreading through the ductwork. AC filters come in many different versions, including fiberglass, pleated and electrostatic. Your filter’s effectiveness can be illustrated with its minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which ranges from 1 to 20, with higher ratings illustrating maximum efficiency.

An air filter’s key purpose is the protection of the evaporator coil, blower motor and other cooling system components from dirt and debris capable of damaging them. At sufficient efficiency, the air filter also improves indoor air quality by minimizing particulate matter, which often contribute to allergies, asthma attacks and other respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.

How Does Pet Hair Affect Your HVAC System and Filter?

While animals are shedding, their hair becomes airborne and is drawn into the HVAC system through the return air ducts. If there isn’t a filter in place, pet hair can build up on the evaporator coil, blower motor, fan blades and other components, potentially stopping them from working efficiently. Hair can also encourage clogs if it interacts with the moisture inside your cooling, creating a breeding ground for mold and bacteria that can generate foul odors and lower indoor air quality.

Even when the filter is already in place, pet hair isn’t harmless. When return airflow arrives at the HVAC system, the filter does its job by trapping the hair and preventing it from landing on delicate cooling components. At the same time, this quickly clogs the filter up, putting extra strain on the HVAC system. Without maintenance, higher energy bills and more repair visits could be likely.

What About Animal Dander?

Pet dander, consisting of small skin flakes and saliva particles, is a common cause of respiratory problems in people with allergies or asthma. Filters with higher MERV ratings are more likely to effectively capture and remove dander, which is much smaller than pet hair.

How to Care for Your AC System and Filter with Pets

You can take steps to maintain the efficiency of your air conditioner, even with pets living in your home. Here’s how:

• • Stick to a regular schedule when cleaning or replacing the filter: Depending on the total number of pets as well as the filter’s efficiency, you should try to replace it after 30 to 90 days. Keep an eye on it every month and replace it when a clog appears.

• • Keep ventilation clear: Pet hair collects on the air registers and grilles, reducing airflow. You can clean them with the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner as often as needed. Then, call a professional for cleaning out the collected pet hair, dander and dust in the air ducts every few years.

• • Bathe or brush away excess pet hair: Regular brushing and bathing is a great strategy for reducing pet hair. Keep the brushing outdoors and sweep the area when you’re done to stop hair from just drifting back inside.

• • Consistently vacuum and dust: While it affects your HVAC system, pet hair can be found all throughout your home. A lot of it settles on surfaces around the house. Proper cleaning should include vacuuming, sweeping, dusting and laundering your pet’s bedding.

• • Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear: Central air conditioning systems come with an outdoor unit fixed to a concrete slab just outside the home. Keep the area around this unit free of debris, like pet hair, grass clippings, dead leaves, and other forms of yard waste. This encourages normal heat transfer for more efficient operation.

• • Don’t ignore preventive maintenance: For best results, have a trusted HVAC technician inspect and maintain the air conditioner annually, preferably in the spring. They’ll know how to identify and fix small issues, clean internal components and provide recommendations about how to keep your air conditioner running efficiently with pets.

Contact for Indoor Air Quality Services

When you’re tired of excess pet hair affecting your HVAC system and indoor air quality, consider for personalized recommendations on the best solution. We offer a range of indoor air quality products best suited for combating pet hair and dander, such as advanced air filtration, whole-house ventilation and air duct cleaning. We can also maintain your HVAC system for maximum performance and efficiency. You can rest easy with the knowledge that everything we do is backed by a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To request indoor air quality services in North America, please contact today.