Pets can impact your HVAC system more than you think. Here are some tips to keep your St. Louis home’s air clean and your HVAC system efficient.
We love our furry friends, but they can be tough on our HVAC systems. From shedding fur to kicking up dander, pets impact indoor air quality, clog filters faster, and make your heating and cooling systems work harder than necessary.
If you’re a pet owner in St. Louis, especially in neighborhoods like Kirkwood, Chesterfield, or St. Charles, this guide will help you keep your HVAC system clean, efficient, and built to handle all that fluff.
The service tech Giovanni did a fantastic job. Our gas fireplace is working like new again so we’re ready for the cold weather!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mr, for your fantastic review! We're glad to hear Giovanni provided you with excellent service and professionalism. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If I could give 10 stars, I absolutely would.
Last night our furnace went out unexpectedly, and with three kids in the house, the temperature dropped fast. Giovanni went above and beyond in every way possible. Instead of charging me a late-night service fee, he simply asked, “Are you decently handy?” and offered to walk me through some troubleshooting steps to get our heat back on so my children wouldn’t have to sleep in the cold.
Not only did he guide me through the process, he even FaceTimed me and showed me exactly what to take apart, how to put it back together, and what signals to watch for. It felt like having a real technician standing right next to me the entire time. Thanks to him, our heat was restored within minutes.
In a world where true customer service is hard to come by, Giovanni is a rare find. It is a guaranteed fact that any future repairs, maintenance, and the new heater/AC system we’ll be needing this coming summer/fall will absolutely be done through him. His honesty, kindness, and expertise have earned our business for life.
Highly, highly recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your experience! We're so glad to hear Giovanni was able to help you and your family during that tough situation. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we appreciate your trust in our services for the future!
My neighbor referred these guys to me when had water heater problem. Previous company told me I needed to replace it. Tom’s technician fixed it for less than $200. This was over 2 years ago and have been using their service ever since. They are very trustworthy.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mary, for sharing your experience and for trusting us with your water heater issue; we're glad our technician could help and that you've continued to rely on our services!
I called this company earlier today because I was having a bunch of issues with my HVAC system. They were incredibly friendly and walked me through troubleshooting step by step over the phone. They didn’t even charge me for the call. Thanks to their honest advice, I was able to get things running smoothly again. Really grateful for their help and would definitely recommend them if you want straightforward and trustworthy service. Five stars all the way!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the glowing review, Hector! We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in the future.
Nick did not set current time. — Monday Hoffmans Zach came to fix correct time. We DID NOT want a timed thermostat — we prefer to set temperatures manually
Response from the owner:Thank you, Pat, for your kind words about Giovanni; we appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that he made a positive impression.
Clear communication about arrival, service and costs.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Margaret, for your kind words! We appreciate your feedback on our clear communication and are glad you had a positive experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Hank, for your wonderful feedback; we're glad you enjoyed the fast, friendly, and professional service, and we'll be sure to keep up the great work!
I will highly recommend this business for your air and heater repair. Prompt, knowledgeable and courteous service.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Judy, for your kind words and recommendation! We're glad to hear you were pleased with our prompt and courteous service.
Thomas Hoffman was very responsive to our after hours inquiry, even walked us through some trouble shooting over the phone. We provided pictures of the unit and they were able to quickly buy, schedule and install the part to keep our family warm!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Ali! We're glad to hear that Thomas was responsive and helpful in getting everything sorted out for you and your family. Your feedback means a lot to us!
Nick came by, identified the problem quickly and had it fixed. Great service!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Ted! We're glad to hear that Nick provided you with quick and effective service. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
Great service. Responsive. Well trained technicians. Honest friendly and thorough. I highly recommend Tom Hoffmann and his team.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate your recommendation and are delighted to hear about your positive experience with our team.
Ryan Taylor with Thomas Hoffman did an outstanding job in servicing our unit & explaining everything to me, especially how our humidifier worked, since we were new home owners & had not had one before. Thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you! We're glad to hear that Ryan and Thomas provided you with excellent service and helped you understand your new humidifier. We appreciate your feedback!
As always, the Hoffmann technician Zach was polite, professional, and efficient. Pricing is reasonable and even more importantly, they are dependable. I will continue to use Thomas Hoffman A/C and Heating.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mark, for your kind words about our technician and for your continued trust in Thomas Hoffman A/C and Heating; we truly appreciate your support!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Brandon! We appreciate your kind words and are glad to hear about your positive experience with Hoffmann’s professionalism and thoroughness.
Our service technician arrived right on time and was professional, friendly, efficient and courteous. We couldn’t ask for more.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive experience with our service technician! We appreciate your kind words and are glad to hear that you were satisfied with the service provided.
I'm a new customer and had my first appointment for furnace check.My tech was Zack and what a professional. He explained how he checked system and answered all my questions. This was a very good experience
Response from the owner:Thank you, Patricia, for your kind words! We're glad to hear that Zack provided you with a professional and informative experience during your furnace check. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
Thomas Hoffman is a wonderful company to work with. Techs are knowledgeable, personable & efficient.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Christine, for your kind words about our team; we appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear you had a positive experience!
I called on December 25th at midnight and started leaving a message and Thomas Hoffman the owner called me back almost immediately. He said he would come out the next morning between 8:00 and 10:00 am snd he was promptly on time. He fixed my problem and while he was there I decided to get an estimate for a new furnace and air conditioning unit. The price was very reasonable and the installers one of them being his son were both very professional very courteous, polite, arrived on time and finished the same day. I enjoy knowing that I now have the support of Thomas Hoffman heating and air conditioning along with the peace of mind that comes with owning a Trane. Nothing stops a Trane.
Albert Koesterer
Response from the owner:Albert thanks so much for your kind reviews and your business. We truly appreciate it!!!
The Thomas Hoffmann team did a great job taking care of our semi annual HVAC maintenance. They not only worked with us to schedule the visit, but also did an excellent job sending us reminders on when they would be out.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the great review, Bob! We appreciate your support and are happy to hear you had a great experience!
Nick was excellent. Super profession, quick, and up front with the pricing (which was fair). Hopefully we don't need to call anyone to fix our AC again, but if we do - I'm calling Nick!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Layton, for your amazing review! We really appreciate your support and hope to be your first call for any future repairs!
Same day service. Technician arrived as scheduled. Replaced capacitor quickly. Friendly technician. Repair cost $429 seemed high for inexpensive part and 20 minutes labor.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Tom, for your feedback! We're glad to hear the technician was prompt and friendly, though we understand your concerns about the repair cost. We appreciate your insights and hope to serve you again in the future.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Al, for your excellent review; we truly appreciate your support and are glad to hear you had a great experience!
Thomas Hoffmann is the most professional and courteous of all the HVAC companies in St. Louis. It has kept my HVAC systems in good working order through the hottest and coldest days for many years.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Jonathan, for your kind words about our professionalism and courtesy; we truly appreciate your support!
I notified two companies at the same time regarding a malfunctioning AC unit and Wow! Super fast response from Hoffmann on a weekend no less, to fix our AC unit. Hoffmann’s tech responded to my call immediately and fixed our AC before Galmiche has even responded. Used to be a Galmiche customer, but will use Thomas Hoffmann from here on out!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Darlene, for your fantastic feedback! We're glad to hear that our team was able to respond quickly and resolve your AC issue. We appreciate your trust in us moving forward!
Ryan did a great job with my AC reinstall. Very knowledgeable company with Tom Hoffmann providing the engineering expertise.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Steve! We're glad to hear that Ryan did a great job on your AC reinstall, and we appreciate the shoutout to Tom's expertise. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
These guy's are amazing same day service very well priced for the knowledge they have ask before doing anything to confirm they're my new go to
Response from the owner:Thank you, Cory! We're glad you found our service amazing and appreciate your kind words about our pricing and knowledge. We're here for you anytime!
Why Pets Affect HVAC Performance
Your HVAC system circulates air throughout your home, and anything in the air (like pet hair, dander, or dust) goes through your vents, ductwork, and filters.
Common pet-related HVAC issues include:
Clogged filters that reduce airflow
Excess dust and dander that impact air quality
Blocked vents or returns from furniture moved to accommodate pet spaces
Increased strain on HVAC components, which shortens the lifespan
1. Change Your Air Filters More Often
Standard HVAC filters should be changed every 60–90 days. But if you have pets that shed, aim for every 30–45 days, especially during heavy shedding seasons like spring and fall.
🛠️ Tip: Use high-efficiency pleated filters with a MERV rating of 8–12 for better dander and allergen capture without restricting airflow.
2. Vacuum and Dust Regularly (Yes, It Helps!)
A clean home means cleaner airflow. Pet hair and dander accumulate on floors and furniture, eventually entering your HVAC system.
✅ Focus on:
Floors, carpets, and rugs
Furniture and pet beds
Air vents and registers (remove pet hair buildup)
Return air grilles (often overlooked)
3. Groom Your Pets Frequently
Regular grooming reduces the amount of fur and dander floating around your home—and ultimately your HVAC system.
🛁 For long-haired pets, consider brushing daily, especially during shedding season. Bathing helps reduce allergens, too.
🚿 Pro Tip: Brush your pets outside to prevent hair from circulating indoors.
4. Install an Air Purifier or Air Scrubber
A whole-home air purifier or air scrubber installed directly into your HVAC system can eliminate airborne pet dander, odors, and bacteria.
✅ Benefits for Pet Owners:
Cleaner air
Less dust buildup
Fewer allergy symptoms
Reduced strain on HVAC filters
📞 Ask us about the Air Scrubber by Aerus—a great solution we’ve installed in many St. Louis homes with pets.
5. Seal and Clean Your Ductwork
Over time, your ductwork can become a hidden trap for hair, dust, allergens, and pet odors.
💨 Duct problems to look out for:
Uneven airflow
Excessive dust
Musty or pet-related odors
Higher energy bills
🔧 Duct sealing and professional cleaning every 5–7 years can dramatically improve your HVAC performance—and your home’s air quality.
6. Protect Your Outdoor Condenser Unit
If your pets roam outside, your AC condenser unit may be at risk for damage or contamination. Dogs have even been known to mark their territory on these units—which can cause corrosion.
🛠️ Solutions:
Install a small fence or barrier around the unit (leave at least 2–3 feet of clearance for airflow)
Clean up any debris or fur caught in the unit fins
Train pets to stay away from the system
7. Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance
Your system works overtime in homes with pets. During a tune-up, our technicians can:
Check and replace your filter
Clean key components affected by dander
Inspect ductwork and airflow
Recommend air quality upgrades
🛡️ Consider joining our Preventative Maintenance Program, which includes priority scheduling, discounts, and peace of mind—ideal for homes with high HVAC demands.
Why Pet Owners in St. Louis Trust Thomas Hoffmann
At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we understand the unique challenges of HVAC systems in pet-friendly households. As a locally owned company, we treat our customers like neighbors, not just account numbers.
…and more, keep their HVAC systems running clean, quiet, and efficient, despite all the fur and fluff.
Breathe Easier—For You and Your Pets
Pets are family and deserve a healthy, comfortable home like you. With a few smart adjustments and the right HVAC partner, your system can run cleaner and last longer, even in a multi-pet household.
At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we pride ourselves on being a locally owned and operated HVAC company. With more than 30 years of experience and a master technician and mechanical engineer as our owner, we can replace, repair, and maintain your business or home’s HVAC system.
