What Your Pets Want You to Know About Your HVAC System

Doug the Dog Here with Some Air Conditioning Tips 

Our regular blog writer and President of Air-Tro, Bob Helbing, has stepped away from the keyboard this week to let Doug the Dog take over blogging duties as part of a summer canine work-study program. He gets several biscuits of credit for this. Thanks for reading!

 

Hello, my dear humans and fellow air conditioning aficionados! You may think dogs don’t have much to say about HVAC. In fact, you may think all we really care about are tummy rubs, the neighbor’s cat and barking at the vacuum cleaner. Oh, that and kibble! 

Well, the truth is we do care about all those things, but we also think about indoor comfort too, especially during the hottest days of summer here in Southern California. In fact, the many naps we take are practically impossible without really good air conditioning. Did you know it’s a myth that we prefer to sleep on hot patios or door mats outside on summer days? Forget that! We’re much happier shedding and drooling inside your home. 

Heat Can Hurt 

Even if you don’t let your dog on the sectional (and this dog sure hopes you do), remember that excessive heat can affect an animal just like a human. Always make sure we have access to lots of fresh, cool water. And if it’s too hot for you outside, it’s likely too hot for us too. Our paws are sensitive and so are our hearts! We want to be inside with you, or at least in a cozy spot near an HVAC vent waiting for you to come home. Older dogs especially have a hard time with weather extremes, according to my favorite veterinarian (he smells like bacon). 

Keep Your Thermostat Temps Consistent

Did you know that turning your air conditioning completely off during the daytime and then cranking it back on again later when people come home only makes your HVAC equipment have to work harder? Instead, turn up the temperature setting on the thermostat every morning by a few degrees for when the house is empty (except for us pets), rather than shutting it off. It will be easier to cool the house when you get home, too. 

Also, on an especially hot day, make sure your drapes and windows are closed throughout the house to keep that cooler air in and hotter air out. Seal up all leaks and drafts, too. We’d do it, but it’s a bummer not having opposable thumbs. 

Another reminder? Change your air filter regularly, especially during the summer. It will keep your air quality high, ensure lots of good airflow and reduce stress on your AC equipment. After all, I like good air quality too. And the happier my owners are (with lower utility bills), the more likely they are to take me for a walk. 

So a big WOOF! to all of you and may all your days be dog ones. Thank you for listening, and hopefully I’ll see you out there on the trails. I’ll be the one peeing on the bushes! 

Love and slurps,

Doug

 

Dogs and their owners have chosen Air-Tro as the San Gabriel Valley’s Reader’s Choice for Best HVAC Company! Call us today at (626)357-3535.