For many homeowners in the Toledo, Ohio, area, our pets are among the most valued members of our families. From the golden retriever you have had for a decade to a cat that is always on patrol, a pet is more than just a four-legged friend; they are our family. However, for many pet owners, living with pet hair and dander can be an irritant, and one of the best investments you can make to help counter those stubborn allergies is a proper HVAC system. In this blog, we are going to look at what to look for in your systems, where to invest in extra add-ons, and how to ensure you are set up for success from day one for a happy and healthy home with a four-legged family member.
Energy Efficient Units
Whether you are buying a new air conditioning unit or investing in a replacement furnace, prioritizing energy-efficient units will save you money over the lifetime of your heating and cooling system that is needed to keep your pet comfortable. High-efficiency HVAC systems will help you maintain your internal temperature without the high energy bills that can come with heating and cooling in our harsh climate. For instance, if you switch to a 90% AFUE unit compared to a standard 80% AFUE unit, you will reduce your heating bills between 15% and 30%, which, depending on your natural gas rates, can mean hundreds, if not thousands, per year.
Smart Thermostat
One of the best investments you can make as a pet owner is to invest in a smart thermostat to better control your home when you are away from the house. Modern smart thermostats can learn your routines, help you save money during peak times, and keep your home at a perfect temperature even when you are not home. Whether you are looking at Nest, Honeywell or even Ecobee, installing a smart thermostat will ensure that your little four-legged pup or cat is always comfortable.
Consider a Variable-Speed System
For pet owners, a variable-speed HVAC system can be a real game changer for your home. During the summer, your variable-speed blower will run longer and at a lower speed, allowing air to move slowly over the evaporator coils, which, in turn, can extract water from the system. This action acts like a whole-home dehumidifier and can help ensure that your home’s climate is perfectly balanced and not too swampy. During the heating season, a variable-speed system will also help reduce the potential for over-dry air to be circulated by running at a lower speed. Allowing you to enjoy a well-heated home without the dry air that can be common in residential heating systems.
Add a whole-home Air Purifier
If you are blessed with a dog that has more hair than you can possibly imagine, a whole-home air purification system might be a great investment for your home. These systems plug into your air handler and will use built-in air purifiers or UV light technology to eliminate bacteria and viruses, remove odors, and trap hair and dander. These systems are great at capturing smells and microbes that your furry family member can bring in and ensure that your home’s air is pure for you and your pet.
Use High-Efficiency Air Filters
The air filter in your heating and cooling system is almost as important as the system itself. You will want to look for HVAC systems that support High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters or a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of 11 or higher. MERV is quickly becoming the preferred method for rating an air filter's efficiency, i.e., its ability to capture airborne particles. The higher the MERV rating, the better. Superior or Premium MERV ratings range from 13 to 16 and can capture bacteria, viruses, and smoke. Most homeowners will opt for a high-efficiency filter rated between 11 and 12, which can trap smaller debris such as pet dander, Legionella, and auto emissions. Note that not all HVAC systems can use premium or superior filters, and you will want to match your manufacturer's standard filter rating to the filter you purchase.
For pet owners, finding the right balance between efficiency and comfort in your HVAC system can seem difficult. However, if you are in Toledo, OH, you can simply turn to the certified HVAC experts at Fry to help. We can work with you to find the perfect system for your specific needs, including a high-efficiency system from York, Carrier, or Rheem, add-ons such as an air purifier, and the right air filter and thermostat for your unit. So, if you are looking for a furnace upgrade or air conditioner replacement, Fry is your guy to help keep your dogs, cats, bunnies and even birds comfortable year-round in your home.
