Owning a pet can be one of the greatest joys in life. But sometimes, it can be difficult—since your dog or cat cannot exactly tell you how they feel. Worried that your pet is uncomfortable in your home? Want to know more about caring for your air conditioner when you have pets? Read on, and know that you’re doing your best for your furry friends.
Do Keep Your Pets Cool
Do you really need to keep the AC on for your pets? We think so. Your indoor pets are domesticated creatures, which means they expect just about the same level of comfort as you! In extreme heat and humidity, pets can have trouble balancing out their body temperatures, just like humans. Ideally, you should set the thermostat to a temperature that would not make you uncomfortable even while you are gone—perhaps around 78-81°F.
In addition, make sure you take the following precautions on hot days:
When it’s very hot, keep dog walks short.
Make sure there is always plenty of water available at all times.
Monitor your pets’ behavior for panting or other signs of overheating.
Try putting ice in water bowls (but check to make sure your pets are okay with this; it can scare off some animals).
Don’t Neglect Your Air Filter
When you have pets, you can’t afford to skip out on changing the air filter regularly. Even if you don’t have allergies, one of your guests may, and having loose pet dander around the home can lead to a coughing and sneezing fit.
Besides, a dirty air filter clogs up your system. Air cannot move through the AC system and across the evaporator coil when a dirty air filter restricts airflow. And in homes with pets, air filters get dirty a lot faster. Neglecting to change the air filter each and every month, if not more often, can cause your air conditioner to become overworked and break down!
Do Schedule Maintenance Twice a Year
We’ve already determined that it’s important to keep the air on for your furry friends. Now, what would happen if the AC shut off while your pet was home? Annual maintenance services—a tune-up and inspection from a qualified HVAC specialist—can protect your air conditioner, preventing it from breaking down when you need it most. Call a local technician to schedule your appointment.
Contact Air On Demand for more information or to schedule AC services in Homestead, FL.