Reduce Pet Allergies Naturally with Your HVAC System
Are you a proud pet owner of a cat or dog? Do you consider your pet a vital member of your family? While your furry friends bring immense joy and companionship to your home, they also carry dander and allergens that can greatly affect your indoor air quality. Pet allergies are a common concern among homeowners in the San Diego area, but did you know you can reduce pet allergy symptoms using your HVAC system? Through this guide below, we will explain how you can reduce pet allergies and keep your home feeling fresh and clean this spring.
Change and Clean Your Filters
In general, you should make a habit of changing HVAC air filters every 60 to 90 days. But, if you are a pet owner, you should consider changing them even more frequently. Ideally, pet owners should aim for monthly replacement using high-quality air filters that are designed to trap pet dander and other allergens. High-quality filters not only reduce allergy symptoms, but they will prevent pet dander, pollen, and dust from infiltrating your air ducts.
Clean Your Air Ducts
Dust, pollen, hair, pet dander, and other debris can accumulate inside your ductwork, causing your HVAC system to recirculate allergens and particles to other areas of the home. More importantly, when your ducts are clogged with debris, it is much harder for filtered air to pass through. If your home is accumulating more dust than usual and you are experiencing more severe allergy symptoms or asthma attacks, it is probably time to get your ducts professionally cleaned.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Pet dander and debris aren’t only recirculated in the air. These particles can accumulate on surfaces and furniture. If you lack proper ventilation in your home, you are more likely to have dust in these areas.
If you’ve already cleaned your ducts and changed your filters, you are already taking steps to ensure that your home has proper ventilation. Although, if you are getting too much or not enough fresh air from outdoors, your ventilation may not be optimal.
Work with a trained HVAC professional to make sure your HVAC unit is properly maintained and is the right size for your home. Having your system regularly inspected and maintained will ensure that your system is operating at maximum efficiency.
Install an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are a great addition to your HVAC system because they clean the air and make it more breathable for the members of your home. Whole-house air purifiers work to improve allergy symptoms and overall indoor air quality by using filters and UV light to remove pathogens in the air.
You might wonder why you’d need another air cleaner when you’re already changing your filters regularly. Air purifiers trap smaller molecules that traditional HVAC filters can’t capture and most remove particles from bacteria, viruses, VOCs and smoke.
Following the steps above will reduce pet allergens in your home naturally with the help of your HVAC system. Removing allergens and increasing overall indoor air quality will help you breathe easier and live more comfortably in your home. Contact Same Day Heating and Air Conditioning today! One of our trained professionals is always happy to help with all of your HVAC needs.
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