What Can Animal Hair Do to My AC Filter?

Pets can be found in millions of homes. To be honest, our pets are usually considered a beloved member of the family and we want to have them around for many years-->

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, keeping them from reaching other rooms or areas of the property. Various designs can be used effectively, including fiberglass, pleated and electrostatic. A filter’s effectiveness depends on its minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which ranges 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 important parts from dirt and debris capable of damaging them. An efficient enough filter also improves indoor air quality by keeping particles out of your indoor air, which can cause allergies, asthma attacks and similar conditions.

How Can Pet Hair Impact an HVAC System’s Air Filter?

When pets shed, their hair becomes airborne and can eventually get into the HVAC system through the return air ducts. If there isn’t a filter in place, pet hair collects inside 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.

But even if you have an air filter installed, pet hair isn’t harmless. When return airflow arrives at the HVAC system, the filter traps the hair and prevents it from landing on sensitive cooling components. That being said, eventually the filter will clog, decreasing airflow and increasing strain on the HVAC system. Without intervention, you may experience higher energy bills and more frequent breakdowns.

What About Animal Dander?

Pet dander, made up of microscopic skin flakes and saliva particles, is a common allergen that causes respiratory problems for those suffering from allergies or asthma. You may benefit from a higher efficiency filter to ensure it can 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:

• • Change the filter regularly: Depending on the total number of pets as well as the filter’s efficiency, you might need to replace it every 30 to 90 days. Keep an eye on it every month and replace it if you notice weaker airflow or can see evidence of a clog.

• • Keep ventilation clear: Pet hair collects on the air registers and grilles, reducing airflow. Clean these 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 inside your ductwork every few years.

• • Groom your pets: Regular brushing and bathing is a great strategy for reducing pet hair. Make sure to handle brushing outside and sweep the area afterward to prevent the hair from getting tracked inside.

• • Consistently vacuum and dust: Not all pet hair ends up in the HVAC system. A lot of it settles on surfaces or in corners. Proper cleaning should include vacuuming, sweeping, dusting and washing any pet beds.

• • Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear: Central air conditioners feature an outdoor unit mounted to a concrete slab somewhere along an exterior wall of the home. Keep the area around this unit free of debris, like pet hair, grass clippings, dead leaves, and other objects. This helps maintain consistent heat transfer for more efficient operation.

• • Keep up with routine AC maintenance: Ideally, your local HVAC professional will inspect and maintain the air conditioner annually, preferably in the spring. This professional can find and resolve any small issues, clean internal components and share advice on keeping your cooling system running efficiently with pets.

Get in Touch with for Indoor Air Quality Services

If you want to minimize the impact your pets have on your HVAC system and indoor air quality, look to for tailored solutions and top-notch customer service. We can direct you to the right indoor air quality products designed to minimize pet hair and dander, including high-end air filtration, whole-house ventilation and air duct cleaning. We’ll do our best to maintain your HVAC system’s performance and energy efficiency. Enjoy the peace of mind 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.