What Can Animal Hair Do to My AC Filter?

A family pet is part of millions of families. You probably consider your dog or cat a beloved family member and want to keep them well-cared for.

Annoyingly, pet hair usually has a negative impact on the efficiency of your air conditioning system. With proper maintenance, you’ll help preserve steady airflow and protect your cooling system from harm.

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

Your air filter is a key component of the HVAC system. The filter is the primary solution to capture airborne particles, 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 is rated on a scale from 1 to 20, with higher ratings illustrating maximum efficiency.

The primary purpose of an AC filter is to protect the evaporator coil, blower motor and other cooling system components from dirt and debris that could lead to problems. At sufficient efficiency, the air filter also improves indoor air quality by keeping particles out of your indoor air, which often contribute to allergies, asthma attacks and similar conditions.

How Does Pet Hair Affect the Air Filter of My HVAC System?

While animals are shedding, their hair becomes airborne and may gradually reach the HVAC system through the return air ducts. When the filter is missing, pet hair accumulates within the evaporator coil, blower motor, fan blades and other components, potentially stopping them from working efficiently. Hair can also become clogged with moisture found in the cooling system, creating a breeding ground for microorganisms, which can produce foul odors and lower indoor air quality.

Even when the filter is already in place, pet hair isn’t harmless. When return airflow reaches the main HVAC system, the filter traps the hair and prevents it from landing on delicate cooling components. At the same time, this quickly clogs the filter up, limiting airflow and placing additional strain on the HVAC system. Without intervention, high energy bills and frequent breakdowns may be right behind.

What About Animal Dander?

Pet dander, made up of small skin flakes and saliva particles, commonly exacerbates 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

Maintaining an efficient, properly functioning air conditioner is certainly possible, even with pets living in your home. Here’s how:

• Change the filter regularly: 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. Check it every month and replace it when a clog appears.

• Periodically clean the return air ducts: Pet hair gradually piles up against the air registers and grilles, limiting circulation. You can clean them with the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner as often as needed. Then, hire a professional to remove built-up pet hair, dander and dust in the air ducts every few years.
• Bathe or brush away excess pet hair: Regular brushing and bathing reduces the hair and dander your pets generate. Keep the brushing outdoors and sweep the area afterward to prevent the hair from getting tracked 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. Keep up a regular cleaning routine that includes 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 secured to a concrete slab just outside the home. Clear away any accumulated debris, including pet hair, grass clippings, dead leaves, and similar materials. This ensures effective heat transfer for more efficient operation.
• Don’t ignore preventive maintenance: For best results, have a trusted HVAC technician inspect and maintain your air conditioning system every year, preferably in the spring. They’ll know how to identify and fix small issues, keep internal components clean and offer tips to keep your cooling system running efficiently with pets.

Get in Touch with for Indoor Air Quality Services

When you’re tired of excess pet hair affecting your HVAC system and indoor air quality, consider for expert advice and solutions. We can direct you to the right indoor air quality products best suited for combating pet hair and dander, like high-efficiency 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 Fort Lauderdale, please contact today.