Pets bring a lot of joy to our lives, but they can cause their fair share of annoyance. As well as dragging dirt into the home, they can also leave behind plenty of hair and dander for the owner to clean up. Unfortunately, HVAC systems can also easily accumulate such materials, meaning precautionary measures and ongoing maintenance is often needed to prevent the need for expensive repairs.
HVAC professionals are quite likely to encounter clients who have one or more pets at home. The latest figures from the Canadian Animal Health Institute show there were 8.8 million pet cats in households in 2016, and a further 7.6 million pet dogs. So what sort of advice should professionals pass on to pet owners when discussing HVAC equipment? Read on to find out.
Dander Can Clog Up Important HVAC Components
Pets throw off lots of small pieces of skin called dander. This is very difficult to spot, but it can be quite obstructive if it’s allowed to build up in enclosed spaces, such as heating and ventilation components. Professionals with HVAC training recommend a couple of ongoing maintenance tasks to make sure that this equipment continues carrying out its job effectively.
For instance, pet owners can install air filters that are specifically designed to catch pet dander, and replace them periodically. Dander can also build up in HVAC ducts, so these should be cleaned regularly too.
 Clients should have the right air filter to deal with dander
Owners Should Take Precautions with Pet Hair
Pet hair is a much more obvious source of frustration for owners, because it can easily become stuck on couches or carpets. This hair can also get sucked into air filters and air ducts, so make sure that clients take precautions to ensure this can’t happen.
Cats and dogs should be brushed and washed outside regularly, with the excess hair discarded away from any HVAC equipment. It’s inevitable, however, that some traces of hair may end up within the house, so pet owners should give the place a rigorous vacuuming.
Consider the Pet When Altering HVAC Settings
Our pets may display some of the same traits as humans at times, but remember that their physiology is different. Generally, animals are content within a wider temperature range than humans, so clients should adjust their HVAC settings accordingly.
Cats and dogs are better at dealing with the winter cold and summer heat, so there is no need to build up excessive heating or air conditioning bills when they are at home alone. Birds are also a common pet, but remember they are usually from tropical backgrounds. They should therefore be kept away from close contact with air conditioning systems.
Trade School Grads Know That HVAC Components Must be Protected
HVAC college grads recognize that pets don’t only pose problems within the home. HVAC units are often stored outside, and should be protected at all times. Dogs or cats could become curious about some of the components and before you know it, some cabling can become exposed and damaged.
They can also make a mess by urinating on important electrical components. Guard against such problems by encouraging clients to fence off their HVAC units. It’s a short-term pain with plenty of long-term gains.
HVAC units are often exposed to potential damage from pets
Trade school training can open up a range of interesting career opportunities.
Find out more about our dedicated HVAC technician program at NATS.
