What Can Animal Hair Do to My AC Filter?

Pets are an important part of many people’s lives. In fact, pets are usually considered part of the family, and we want to keep them well-cared for.

Annoyingly, pet hair can adversely affect your air conditioning system. But if you keep up with maintenance, you can ensure adequate airflow and protect the cooling equipment from harm.

How Does an AC Filter Work, and Why is It So 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, preventing these contaminants from circulating in your home. There is lots of variety in the materials they use to accomplish this, 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 that could cause damage. An efficient enough filter also improves indoor air quality by keeping particles out of your indoor air, which often contribute to allergies, asthma attacks and other respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.

How Does Pet Hair Affect Your HVAC System and Filter?

As pets shed, their hair becomes airborne and can eventually get into the HVAC system through the return air ducts. When the filter is missing, pet hair can build up on the evaporator coil, blower motor, fan blades and other components, reducing their efficiency and life span. Hair can also mix with condensation formed during air conditioning, 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 can still lead to problems. When return airflow arrives at the HVAC system, the filter does its job by trapping the hair and preventing it from landing on vulnerable cooling components. However, this clogs the filter more quickly than usual, decreasing airflow and increasing strain on the HVAC system. Without maintenance, you may experience higher energy bills and more frequent breakdowns.

What About Animal Dander?

Pet dander, consisting of tiny skin flakes and saliva particles, is a common allergen that causes respiratory problems for those suffering from 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:

• • Stick to a regular schedule when cleaning or replacing the filter: Depending on the type of filter and how many pets you have, you should try to replace it after 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.

• • Periodically clean the return air ducts: Pet hair collects on the air registers and grilles, preventing proper ventilation. 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.

• • Groom your pets: Regular brushing and bathing minimizes the hair your pet leaves behind. Brush your pets outside when possible 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 or in corners. Proper cleaning should include vacuuming, sweeping, dusting and washing any pet beds.

• • Don’t let debris collect near the outdoor unit: Central air conditioning systems come with 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, including pet hair, grass clippings, dead leaves, and similar materials. This encourages normal 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 provide recommendations about how to keep your air conditioner running efficiently with pets.

Call 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 personalized recommendations on the best solution. We can direct you to the right 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’ll do our best to maintain your HVAC system’s performance and energy efficiency. Rest assured 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.