We love our pets, and we know you love yours. Pets can be a great addition to your household but can have negative effects on the indoor air quality of your home. Pets can track in dander, hair, dirt, and allergens from outside, giving you allergic reactions or even making you sick. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep you – and your pet – safe with better indoor air quality.
First, what is pet dander and what are pet allergens? Just like humans shed teeny tiny pieces of skin, your pets do too. Pet allergens can be found in urine, feces, and saliva. Dogs, birds, cats, rodents, whatever pet you have, has pet dander and allergens. It’s been estimated that 10% – 15% of Americans are allergic to pet dander and allergens rather than pet fur. Both dander and allergens are tiny and lightweight, meaning they can easily travel through your air ducts settling in your furnace or air handler, and cause you problems.
When dander and allergens become airborne, they will circulate through your HVAC system – just like the rest of your air. This means you, your family, and your pet will be breathing them in. Larger things like pet hair can also circulate through your HVAC system, but most likely will be caught by your air filters. These two things can tremendously decrease the quality of your home’s air.
How can you have pets in the home and maintain better air quality? Our first suggestion is to keep your pet regularly bathed and groomed. This will help cut down on shedding, dander, and allergens. Another great habit is to vacuum frequently. By vacuuming up your pet’s hair and dander, you are preventing it from continuously circulating throughout your home and your HVAC system.
Aside from regular vacuuming and grooming of your pet, there are ways Advance Mechanical can help. First, we suggest replacing your home’s air filters more frequently. Air filters will help capture pet hair, dander, and other debris they bring into your home. And the easiest way to ensure you always have filters on hand is to sign up for FilterFetch and have filters delivered to your door. Use code CZB to receive special pricing, search for your filter size, and order – it’s so easy!
Advance Mechanical also offers duct cleaning services that remove the buildup of dust and dirt from your air ducts. Duct cleaning also helps your HVAC operate more efficiently, leading to a longer lifespan of the unit. Other benefits include less dust, better indoor air quality, and a lower electricity bill. There are 3 different levels of protection to choose from—and if you join our Comfort Club, you receive a $100 off your duct cleaning service!
If you want to protect your family’s health even more, Advance Mechanical offers a wide range of IAQ products and solutions to reduce allergens, germs, and toxins in the air. Give us a call, we would be happy to discuss what IAQ options are right for you.
Don’t feel like you have to choose between good indoor air quality and your pet – Advance Mechanical is just a phone call away – 252-355-9191!