We love our pets. They’re part of the family—curling up at our feet in the winter, barking (or meowing) excitedly when we walk in the door, and making every day a little bit better. But while we may be totally fine with sharing our couch, our floors, and even our pillows with our furry friends, there’s one place pet hair and dander don’t belong: your HVAC system.
Yes, we hate to break it to you—but your HVAC system isn’t nearly as fond of your pets as you are.
From fur clogging filters to dander circulating through your vents, homes with cats, dogs, and other shedding animals require a little extra care to keep heating and cooling systems working properly. The good news? With a few small adjustments (and help from our techs), your HVAC system and your pet can happily coexist.
1. Upgrade to a High Efficiency Media Filter
Let’s start with one of the simplest—and most effective—ways to improve your HVAC system: upgrading to a high-efficiency 4-inch media filter.
Compared to the standard 1-inch filters, these larger filters offer superior airflow, longer lifespan, and much better filtration—especially important if you have pets in the home. Pet hair, dander, and dust can quickly clog up thinner filters, forcing your system to work harder, increasing energy bills, and reducing your indoor air quality.
A 4-inch media filter captures more particles without restricting airflow, meaning your system runs more efficiently and your air stays cleaner—longer. In most cases, these filters only need to be changed once or twice a year, depending on your household.
Not sure if a media filter is right for your setup? Our techs can help you determine the best fit and get you set up with professional installation and a recommended change schedule.
2. Boost Indoor Air Quality with an Air Sanitizer or GPS Polarizing Air Cleaner
Even with regular filter changes, pet hair, dander, and other particles can still circulate through your HVAC system and into your living spaces. Instead of relying on duct cleaning—which we don’t offer—we recommend a more effective, long-term solution: installing an in-duct air sanitizer or a GPS (Global Plasma Solutions) polarizing air cleaner.
These systems actively neutralize airborne contaminants, reduce odors, and improve overall air quality every time your system runs. They’re especially helpful for households with allergy sufferers or pets that shed heavily.
Want cleaner, healthier air without the hassle of duct cleaning? Our team can walk you through the best air purification options for your home and handle the installation with care.
3. Mind the Odors
We love our pets, but let’s be honest: they’re not always the freshest roommates.
Pet odors can get trapped in your HVAC system—especially in filters, ductwork, and coils—and then recirculate. This is particularly true in the summer when the AC is working overtime and moisture is present, which can make odors even more noticeable.
Here’s what helps:
- Install a REME Halo LED to create safe, clean fresh air.
- Keeping pets bathed and groomed regularly.
- Vacuuming frequently, especially around vents and intakes.
- Having our techs perform seasonal tune-ups to clean coils and check for areas where odor may be trapped.
4. Protect Your Outdoor Unit
If you’ve got a dog with free roam of the yard, make sure they’re not “marking” the outdoor HVAC unit. Urine is surprisingly corrosive and can cause serious damage to the coils and fins of your condenser. Not to mention, pet fur can get sucked into the unit and restrict airflow.
We recommend installing a small barrier or fence around the unit—just make sure it still has at least 2–3 feet of clearance on all sides for proper ventilation.
If you think your outdoor unit might have already taken a hit, have our techs take a look. They can inspect for damage and clean it out safely.
5. Get Ahead of Pet-Related Wear and Tear
Pets = more airborne particles. More airborne particles = more HVAC work.
Pet-heavy homes often see shortened equipment life spans if extra steps aren’t taken to reduce the load on the system. That’s why it’s smart to schedule routine maintenance at least twice a year. When our HVAC techs come out, they’ll inspect everything from airflow to coil cleanliness, and make sure your system isn’t silently suffering under a layer of Labrador hair.
Keep the Fur, Ditch the HVAC Stress
Your pets aren’t going anywhere (and we wouldn’t want them to!), but that doesn’t mean your HVAC system has to suffer. With a little extra care and a few visits from our experienced techs, you can keep your home comfy, your air clean, and your HVAC system purring along for years to come.
Need help getting started? Whether it’s duct cleaning, filter advice, or a routine tune-up, we’ve got your back—and your furballs covered.