Indoor Air Quality Improvement Tips for Pet Owners

Indoor Air Quality Solutions for Pet Owners

As a pet owner, maintaining good indoor air quality requires some extra attention. Here are some helpful tips.

Most people with animal allergies aren’t allergic to an animal’s hair, but rather its dander. Pet dander consists of tiny flakes of skin from animals with fur or feathers. When it accumulates in your HVAC system, it can contribute to reduced air quality and potentially create conditions for mold growth.

Here are some ways to reduce pet dander and maintain good air quality, regardless of what types of pets you have.

Maintain Your Air Filter

We recommend changing your filter seasonally for better air quality. If you have pets, change your air filter twice as often. Also consider upgrading to a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which is designed to capture dust and dirt particles. These filters are known to remove up to 99% of all particles from the air inside your home.

Clean and Seal Your Ducts

Dander and other particles can accumulate in your ductwork over time, potentially contributing to mold and bacteria growth. When air travels through your ductwork, these particles can be circulated throughout your home. You should also check your ducts for cracks or leaks, which would allow pet dander to easily enter into your ductwork. If you find any cracks or leaks, you will need to seal your ducts to prevent further dirt from accumulating in your ductwork and spreading throughout your home.

Regular Pet Grooming

Not only is regular pet grooming essential to the health of your pets, it also lessens the amount of dander they produce. Bathing your cat or dog regularly, using a moisturizing soap, and brushing your pet often will cut down on the amount of dander your pet produces and make them more comfortable, too.

Protect Your Outdoor Unit

If you have pets that also spend time outside, it’s important to protect your outdoor A/C unit. Pet urine can cause corrosion to your unit, and pets may claw at or otherwise damage A/C units. This can harm both your system and your pet. Prevent this from happening by putting up a small fence or another barrier around your A/C unit that still allows for proper air flow.

Vacuum Regularly

Regular vacuuming helps keep pet hair and dander at a minimum. This prevents it from being drawn into your vents and HVAC system.

Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

A yearly HVAC maintenance check can help address issues that pet dander may cause to your HVAC system. A professional can check your ductwork for leaks and mold build up, change or upgrade your filter, and ensure that your pets haven’t done any additional damage to your HVAC system.

At HomeSense, we can test the air quality in your home to identify pollutants and help you understand what’s affecting your indoor air.

Give us a call at 317-203-8149 to schedule an air quality inspection.

Posted in: HVAC Indianapolis, Indoor Air Quality