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May 30, 2025

AC Tips for Pet-Friendly Homes

Indoor Air Quality

If you’re a pet parent, you already know: our homes revolve around our pets just as much as they do around us. Whether it’s the dog hogging the air vent or your cat basking in that one sunny spot by the window, their comfort matters—especially when summer hits.

In Ontario, summer heat waves can turn your home into an oven fast. And while we can dress lighter or grab an iced coffee, our pets rely entirely on us to keep things cool. That’s where your AC system comes in—if it’s running efficiently and set up right, it can make a world of difference for both you and your furry family members.

Here are a few simple and pet-friendly AC tips that Canadian homeowners can put to good use:

1. Set a Comfortable, Steady Temperature

Hot days in Southern Ontario can get sticky, fast. While you’re at work or running errands, your pets are at home—likely lounging with little ventilation if the AC isn’t running.

Keep your home around 22°C–24°C, even if you’re not home. Sudden temperature shifts can stress pets out. A smart thermostat helps you stay energy-efficient without compromising their comfort.

2. Watch Those Air Filters

Shedding season? More like every season. Pet hair and dander clog up air filters way faster than in pet-free homes. That affects airflow, your indoor air quality, and how hard your AC has to work.

Check your filters monthly, especially if you have more than one pet. Consider upgrading to high-efficiency or allergen-reducing filters to help with odours, hair, and dander.

Learn more about Everything you need to know about furnace filters

3. Keep Curious Noses Away from Outdoor Units

Your outdoor condenser might seem like a fun corner for your dog to explore—but pet urine can corrode parts of the unit, and digging or climbing can damage the fins or wiring.

Add a small fence or barrier around the unit—but make sure it still has airflow. It protects your AC and gives you peace of mind when your pets are in the backyard.

4. Give Pets a Cool Spot to Chill

If your dog or cat spends most of their day in a certain room—like a basement, sunroom, or upstairs bedroom—those areas might not cool evenly.

 Zoned cooling or ductless AC units can help you control the temperature in specific parts of your home. It’s great for both energy savings and pet comfort.

5. Book Your AC Maintenance—Your Pets Will Thank You

A clean, efficient AC not only works better—it also helps with cleaner air and fewer allergens. That’s especially important if your pets are prone to shedding or if someone in your home has allergies.

Book your annual AC tune-up with A1 early in the season, before the real heat hits. We’ll check for issues, clean the system, and make sure it’s ready to keep the whole family—tails and all—cool.

6. Consider Air Quality Upgrades

If your home always seems to have floating fur or you’re constantly Febreze-ing the couch, it might be time to level up your HVAC system.

Air purifiers (insert , UV lights, or whole-home filtration systems) can reduce pet odours and allergens—and help you breathe easier all summer.

 Your Pets Deserve to Be Cool, Too

At A1 Air Conditioning & Heating, we know your home isn’t just about comfort—it’s about family, and that includes the little members. Whether you’re booking a pre-summer tune-up, upgrading to a smart thermostat, or exploring zoned cooling, we’re here to help you keep everyone cool this summer—fur, feathers, or scales.

Call us today to schedule a tune-up or ask us how to make your HVAC system more pet friendly.