If you have a pet, say a dog or a cat, in the house, then your air conditioner (AC) requires a little more tender loving care than an AC in a house without a pet. This is because pets increase the risk of damage of air conditioners and also dirty it faster than usual. Here are some of the reasons for these increased risks:
Pets Shed Dander and Hair
Pets shed some flecks of skin and hair that accumulate in the air and find their way into the AC filters and ductwork. Dirty filters and air ducts are bad for your health because they release allergens into the air you breathe. They also make your AC work harder than it should, leading to energy inefficiency and frequent breakdowns.
This is something you can combat by cleaning your house regularly to reduce the level of dirt in the air. It also helps to clean and brush the pet regularly so they don't shed too much dander. Lastly, you can also mitigate the damage by changing the filters regularly and frequently.
Pets Love To Chew and Claw on Things
Apart from the dirt and debris that the pet may bring into the house, pets can also damage your AC by chewing on its wires and clawing at its delicate parts. The outdoor unit is particularly susceptible to this kind of damage. A dog or cat can claw at the fins and damage them; this leads to inefficient heat exchange and, by extension, energy and operational inefficiency of the AC. Fortunately, solving this problem is as easy as fencing the outdoor unit to keep animals away from it. Just make sure the barrier doesn't affect air circulation.
Pets Bring the Outdoors Indoors
Secondly, many pets bring the outdoor dirt and debris with them when they come into the house. They can do this deliberately by carrying things in their mouth or do it unwittingly when things get stuck on their claws and hair. A dog or cat will drag in dirt particles, twigs, bits of leaves, and other debris into the house. These things will eventually find their way into the filter system or ductwork. There isn't much you can do about this except perhaps cleaning and brushing the animal regularly.
Now that you know how pets can interfere with your AC's operations, take the necessary precautions to minimize the effect. Don't hesitate to call a technician at a company like Classic Air and Heating if you think your AC's inefficiency is unrelated to your pets' actions or dander.
Share12 September 2017
Working with HVAC contractors is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only do your contractors ensure that a new system you buy is properly installed, but they also ensure optimal performance throughout the years through a series of regular inspections, maintenance services, and repairs. But there are lots of things you can do in between your contractor's visits to ensure that your HVAC investment is always in tip top condition, aside from cleaning out the air filters. After working with my dad for more than a decade in the HVAC business, I've put together a few methods homeowners can use to maintain a well working system, and I have published those tips and tricks right here on this blog. I hope some of the information you find here helps you on your journey as a homeowner!
