‘Your Air Filter Is Clogged with Hair’: HVAC Tips and Air Quality Wisdom for the Devoted Pet Owner
You know you love your pet, especially when shedding season makes you feel like you’re walking around in your own personal snow globe. You’re more than willing to put up with a few annoyances for the affection of your beloved Labrador or Himalayan, but have you ever thought about how your pet’s hair may be affecting your AC and furnace?
Primarily pet hair and dander clog up your air filters, which makes your unit work longer and harder. Clogging up your filter leads to increased monthly bills and more serious potential problems down the road. Keep your furry friends happy and take care of your unit with these easy HVAC tips from Gorman Mechanical.
Replace Filters Regularly – Pets aside, the frequency with which you should change your air filter depends on the type of filter and manufacturer. Recommended replacement intervals should be stated on each new filter. When you have pets, depending on the number of pets, you will likely need to change your filter sooner and more frequently. An easy tip is to check your filter monthly or bi-monthly and replace it when it starts to get dirty or saturated with hair. Another option may be to purchase a reusable filter that can be simply cleaned with a garden hose.
Keep Your Home Clean – Another effective way to extend the life of your filter and HVAC unit is to keep your home regularly cleaned and vacuumed. Invest in a cordless vacuum to easily spot-zap pet hair in places where it builds up.
Clean Your Pet – You can also minimize hair and dander by keeping your pet routinely brushed and clean. Depending on your pet’s coat, you can brush daily and personally remove and dispose of the hair yourself in the waste bin. Routinely taking your dog or cat to the groomer and bathing him or her may also help, although you want to be careful to not overdo bathing, which can remove the natural protective oils from your pet’s coat.
Manage Your Ducts – Dirty ducts will contribute to an overly exhausted HVAC unit. Small particles, including pet hair and dander, circulate through your home’s system, including your ducts. Ask an HVAC technician to inspect your ductwork to determine if duct cleaning is necessary to improve indoor air quality.
Adjust Your Thermostat When You Leave – Your pets can stay safe and comfortable within a wide temperature range. Check with your vet about which temperatures are appropriate, but know that you can raise or lower your thermostat when only the pets are home. You may also be able to turn off ceiling fans as well on certain days to help save money and energy.
Protect Your Outdoor AC Unit – Pets running loose in a yard can injure themselves or injure the AC unit if they get too close, such as clawing at the fins or chewing on cables. Keep all parties save and happy by constructing a breathable barrier around your outdoor unit.
Having pets can make managing your HVAC unit a little difficult. However, knowing what to look for and what to regularly monitor can keep everyone in your home safe and comfortable. For more information on HVAC tips in a pet household, contact us through our website today.
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Gorman Mechanical is interested in complete customer satisfaction and delivers on promises made. I have been completely satisfied with their integrity, honesty, customer loyalty, thoroughness and continued to follow up. I feel fortunate to have located their outstanding company among the many in the industry.
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Gorman Mechanical installed a brand new cooling and heating system in my home. The replacement unit was larger and more energy-efficient. Our house has never been cooler and our energy bill even went down…. I highly recommend them and their services.
- Thomas
I had an issue with my A/C unit not cooling properly. The technician, Stacy, arrived during the time frame I was given, and I received a phone call about 30 minutes prior to his arrival, letting me know he was on his way. He was very professional and conscientious in figuring out and explaining the issue to me. He work was complete in a little over an hour and my house is cool once again! I will definitely refer Gorman Mechanical to others.
- S.M.
A Gorman technician came over to set us up with a new A/C unit and he did a phenomenal job. He was very up front with any cost and got our install scheduled in one day. He did a great job at getting me the unit needed without running the price through the roof.
- Allen
I met with Gorman Mechanical’s Sales Manager. When he came out I had a bad taste in my mouth due to some misrepresentations made by another company that happened to be A rated on Angie’s List. Because of this I’m certain I was on the defensive and asked a million questions. He was very patient and took plenty of time answering all my questions. He was very knowledgeable and helped educate me on my options and the advantages/shortfalls of each. When I came to the actual bid, I felt it was very competitive compared to other bids I’d received. I felt so well informed and confident at that point I cancelled two other appointments I’d made for that day and signed up with Gorman Mechanical. He was able to promptly arrange a great deal on financing the bulk of the cost, leaving me to pay out of pocket for a couple last minute additions (extended warranty/Reme Halo). They did not want this until installation was complete. A couple days later they installed my new system and I’ve been very happy with it. Shortly after installation I had several other questions about maintenance and a small amount that was overcharged upon installation. He was very responsive answering my questions and arranging for a prompt refund check to be sent. Fortunately, it isn’t often that I need to spend so much money on an important purchase like this, but I felt very confident with my decision and going through the process with him and Gorman Mechanical made it painless. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Gorman Mechanical to friends and family.
- Rick
The repairman, Tim H., was prompt and courteous. I explained that he was a second opinion for our 21-year-old AC. The first company said that I would need 2 parts totaling $600 plus a coil that they would have to send a salesman out to quote me a price. Also first company was suggesting that I really needed whole new system. After inspection, Tim showed me how a part was wired the wrong way and he replaced a compactor and repaired a burnt wire. 2 lbs Freon were added. Total cost was retail: $217.75. I had a warranty so I paid less but what a difference in $600.00+ and $217.75! AC is working fine now. And we didn’t have to buy a new system. Thanks, Gorman Mechanical and Tim H.! The world needs more honest repairmen like you!
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