What Does Pet Hair Do to a HVAC System?

June 1, 2023

HVAC System, Pet Hair, and Dander...Oh my!

When Spring comes to Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads, it brings with it the temperamental Virginia weather which can wreak havoc with your pet's coat. Hot one day, cold the next...it can result in an onslaught of shedding and a whirlwind of pet hair piling up around the house in the corners, under the furniture-ON the furniture, and floating in the air. This is the time to make sure your air filters are being changed. Not doing so can result in significant damage to your HVAC system.

How Can I Reduce Pet Hair in the Air in My Home?

Change Your Air Filters!

It's an on-going battle between pet hair and air filters. You may think your fur baby isn't shedding that much, but look closer. You'll find pet hair gathered in corners and under furniture. It's a good bet if you find it there, you need to be especially diligent changing your air filters. The way your HVAC system works is it draws in air from your home to recondition and blow back into your home as cool or hot air. The only thing standing between your system getting clogged is the air filter. If you have a pet, you should be checking your air filter at least once a month. It's an easy way to provide preventative maintenance that is cheap as well. You can find air filters in your local hardware store--usually in packs of three or five. There are even services that will deliver them to your home which is convenient and a great reminder to change them.

Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum...

Vacuuming just once a day around the areas of your home that have the most traffic can greatly reduce the stress of animal hair getting into your HVAC system. All the hair floating in the air, gathering on the furniture, carpets, corners and drapery can be reduced by 75% just by vacuuming alone. Not only does it get rid of the hair, but it also gets rid of any pet dander that is floating through the air which brings us to the last reason to change your air filters and vacuum regularly...

Allergies and Pet Dander

Many people think its the pet hair they need to worry about when it comes to allergies, but the main culprit is pet dander. Pet dander is the microscopic skin that sheds from a pet naturally. Vacuuming regularly and changing your air filters regularly can greatly reduce the wear and tear on your A/C system as well as reduce allergic reactions to dander. This is where your HVAC system can be a huge help! Instead of circulating the pet dander through your home, changing your air filter will reduce it significantly thus reducing allergic reactions AND wear and tear on your HVAC system.

If your HVAC system is not keeping up, laboring hard, not blowing cold/hot, give us a call at A-1 American Services. We can have a technician come out to determine if it's a simple fix or something more serious. We are currently running tune-up specials. Give us a call today! 757-425-2400

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Happy Labor Day weekend graphic with tools and American flag.

Happy Labor Day from A-1 American Services!

September 1, 2025

First, a little background on Labor Day and how it came to play into American history. Labor Day is celebrated to honor the contributions and achievements of American workers and the labor movement. It recognizes the role of workers in building the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. The Holiday began in the late 19th century, during a time when working conditions were often harsh—long hours, unsafe workplaces, and little time off were common. Labor unions pushed for better conditions, fair wages, and reasonable workdays. The first Labor Day parade took place in New York City in 1882, organized by the Central Labor Union. In 1894, after years of growing support and following major labor strikes, Congress officially made Labor Day a federal holiday. It’s observed on the first Monday in September, serving both as a tribute to workers and as a symbolic “end of summer” celebration. Not to be confused with International Workers’ Day which is celebrated May 1st worldwide and focuses more on activism and workers’ rights, Labor Day focuses more as a tribute to workers with family time, picnics, parades, and community events like our concer series at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Hampton Roads -- which encompasses the Penninsula (Williamsburg, Newport News, and Hampton) AND South Side (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Suffolk) has always been a working community, from the shipbuilders at Newport News Shipbuilding, to the longshoremen at the Port of Virginia, to the military and civil service workers who keep our bases running. Labor Day really ties into that history because it’s a reminder of how much the region’s workforce has shaped the local economy and even national security. For many families here, Labor Day is also (for the lucky) the last long weekend before school starts, so you’ll see people heading to the beach at Virginia Beach, picnicking at local parks, or attending community events. It’s both a recognition of hard work and a chance for people in Hampton Roads to pause, recharge, and enjoy the fruits of their labor before the busy fall season kicks in. From the A-1 American Services family to yours... Please have a safe and happy Labor Day!! And if you find you need help with any clogs, water heater leaks, HVAC hiccups, clooged toilets our guys are standing by ready to help you and your family at a moments notice!