Simple Tips For Pet Owners To Improve Their Indoor Air Quality
Having a pet has shown to have many positive effects on your quality of life. Both canine and feline fur companions can be sources of comfort and socialization. Many pet owners form strong bonds with their animal companions and having pets can be rewarding and therapeutic. However, having creatures with fur at home also carries certain issues, regardless of how cute and sweet they are. When animals shed, their fur and dander mix with the indoor air, significantly diminishing its quality. Fortunately, there are ways to improve indoor air quality that will allow you to enjoy a safe, healthy environment and still have the companionship of your pet.
How Do Pets Affect Indoor Air Quality?
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IAQ (indoor air quality) refers to the condition or state of breathable air indoors. There are, of course, many factors that affect IAQ. Buildings with central air conditioning are closed environments. If you frequently use spray cleaners, for example, the chemicals in those products could potentially have a harmful effect on the air you breathe indoors. When you have pets, you may not have problems with harmful chemicals but you could experience a significant increase in the level of airborne particulates indoors. These will likely include fur, pet dander, and other organic materials that your HVAC system may be cycling and recycling throughout your home. The problem with these particulates is that they tend to clog filters and decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system. Homes with pets often require a more thorough cleaning to ensure that indoor air is safe and clean.
The types of airborne particulates produced by pets are those that cause irritation to humans, particularly those who have existing health conditions and allergies. When there are excess pet dander and fur in the air, anyone who has a lung condition such as asthma or COPD is highly likely to develop problems later on. Keeping your air clean and safe to breathe is not just to protect the health of your loved ones but also that of your guests.
Why You Need Excellent HVAC Filtration To Maintain Indoor Air Quality
Good indoor air quality is a must for every home, especially those who have pets. One of the best ways to do this is to ensure that your HVAC system has excellent filtration. Air filters collect tiny particulates to prevent them from mixing with indoor air. Otherwise, pollutants will mix with the air that you breathe indoors. To prevent this, it is important to monitor, clean, and replace filtration components when needed. If your HVAC filter and the entire system itself become too dirty thanks to accumulated debris, the particulates could be forced out and released into your home. With a clean filtration system, you can prevent the increase in allergens in your home.
Another key advantage of having excellent filtration is that it helps the HVAC system run efficiently. If the problem with particulates is unresolved and the filtration system cannot handle it, the HVAC system could stop working altogether. If you have two or more pets at home, your air filter will likely require a replacement every 30-45 days. Always check to see if the filters are still clean. If the filters are clogged, have them replaced immediately.
Groom Your Pets Regularly
Make sure to understand the grooming needs of your pets and groom them regularly. Some breeds of dogs or cats, for example, require more frequent grooming than others. Brush your pet’s hair or have it trimmed, and regularly clean out kennels, play and sleep areas, holding areas, and litter boxes. Many invisible particulates originate from these sources and your lungs will thank you for keeping these areas clean. To make sure that your HVAC system is up to the task, make sure you clean it with a high-power, high-performance vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. Whether or not you have carpeting, you will need a high-quality vacuum cleaner with the right attachments so pet hairs, dander, and a host of other allergens can be collected from surfaces such as rugs, drapes, furnishings, upholstery, and other items.
Using UV Lights And Dehumidifiers To Improve Your IAQ
UV lighting is proven to be very effective in purifying indoor air. Pets, particularly those that go outside to play or do their business, often carry microorganisms back into the home through their feet and fur. From there, harmful microorganisms could be wiped off on floor surfaces, beds, chairs, etc. Sometimes, they could even become airborne.
The great thing about UV light is that it is very effective in eliminating mold spores, bacteria, certain types of viruses, and numerous pollutants to prevent them from multiplying. Your trusted HVAC contractor can have UV lights installed directly into your HVAC ductwork or within proximity of the evaporator coil. Since the lights are located away from your living area, you do not have to worry about possible side effects that constant exposure to UV lights could have on you or your beloved pets.
If your main problem at home is high humidity, you need to have this resolved as well. It is often easy to see if humidity is an issue with your home. If condensation forms on your windows and you have mold or mildew, you may have excess moisture indoors. You can reduce humidity levels by having a whole-house dehumidifier installed. This will work with your HVAC system for better climate control inside your home. Humidity can be a huge issue because it encourages the growth of mold which is hazardous to your health and that of your pets. Talk to your HVAC contractor if a whole-house air purifier is an option for you. HVAC professionals can offer a different solution to fit your needs.
Why Regular HVAC Ductwork Inspections Are Important
Another step to improve indoor air quality is to have your ductwork inspected regularly. Ductwork is often a neglected component of the HVAC system because it is out of sight. As a result, it collects dust, dander, dirt, and other debris, and becomes a breeding ground for mold. If certain sections of your HVAC system have damage, these can lead to reduced functionality and efficiency and increase humidity levels. With regular ductwork maintenance and inspection, you will have better indoor air quality and good health.
Ensuring Optimum HVAC Efficiency
Make sure to ask your HVAC contractor to perform an HVAC tune-up when you schedule a ductwork inspection. A complete inspection and maintenance service will ensure that the HVAC contractor can identify and resolve any problem. Likewise, these services prevent any potential issues. Make sure that an HVAC professional performs regular inspections on your HVAC system to keep it in good shape, prolong its lifespan, and ensure it is working efficiently to keep your home safe.
Call Hart Home Comfort To Learn More About Indoor Air Quality Solutions
Hart Home Comfort is one of the leading companies specializing in heating and cooling services in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Queens, New York. Our NATE-certified technicians have extensive training and can provide you with a range of high-quality services, from tune-ups and installations to repairs and replacements.
We can guarantee that our service costs are the most competitive in the area. We make sure that we prioritize your comfort and safety by keeping your HVAC system in top condition for many years. If you want better indoor air quality, give Hart Home Comfort a call today. Ask our customer service about our in-home estimate at no cost to you.
For any questions about what Hart Home Comfort can do for you, give us a call today. Click here to contact us now or call us at (631) 667-3200 to find out more!