Whether it’s a dog, cat, guinea pig, bunny or something more exotic, pets are members of the family. And because you want to keep your whole family warm and cozy this winter, MTB Mechanical offers a few things to consider when it comes to the furry friends who share your home.
What temperature do pets prefer?
Even though most pets are covered in fur, studies show that they’re comfortable in roughly the same indoor temperature as humans. While the “acceptable” heating range is anywhere from 60 to 70 degrees, special consideration should be given to the comfort of younger and older animals, or dog breeds that have special respiratory issues, such as pugs and bulldogs. These breeds have thin fur and are more sensitive to the cold.
Should you leave your heat on for your pets?
Some of us – particularly new pet owners – have the habit of turning down their heat during the day or while away from the house, in order to save money. Remember that pets need consistency, too, and that on days when the outside temperature is extremely cold, a house with low heat can become quite uncomfortable. Set your thermostat to keep your home regulated at a comfortable but lower-than-usual temperature during the day (maybe around 65 degrees) or, better yet, invest in a digital thermostat that can regulate temps accordingly.
Pet hair and your air filters
As a pet owner, one thing to keep in mind is how pet hair and dander affect your HVAC system. Particulates and hair are extremely light and move easily into your vents. Thankfully, your air filters trap most stray hair — you just have to remember to change them! Especially if you have multiple pets, you’ll want to change your HVAC filters at a minimum of once every three months, and even as frequently as once a month, depending on the amount of pet hair being shed. In addition, it’s a good idea to keep your animal groomed, and clean up any loose hair immediately, to help avoid an unnecessary buildup on your filters. Need a little help remembering when to change them? Sign up for our free filter reminders.
If you need a heavier-duty solution, MTB recommends the Lennox® Healthy Climate® Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner. It combines industry-leading MERV 16 filtration with activated, carbon-coated fibers to remove allergy-aggravating particles from your home’s air, including pollen, general household dust – and, of course, pet hair. The Carbon Clean 16® provides powerful filtration without restricting the airflow of your comfort system, and captures particulate matter down to 0.3 microns. That’s over 95% of air particles!
Watch those air vents
Anything left on top of a floor air vent in winter is at risk of overheating. Please avoid placing your pet’s bed or toys over your vents. Not only will this keep your pet safer and more comfortable, you’re preventing obstructions that may hinder the performance of your heating system or create potential fire hazards.
MTB has been on the job for more than 45 years, helping the pet-loving families of the Charlotte area stay warm and comfortable, no matter how cold the winter months. If you have any issues, or are interested in an annual maintenance plan through our Priority Comfort Agreement (PCA), reach out to us today. Schedule an appointment online or call (704) 459-4066
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