Having a pet as a companion can significantly improve your quality of life. It can bring infinite joy and happiness. Cats and dogs provide comfort and companionship to millions of people worldwide. The relationship between a pet and its owner can be incredibly therapeutic and fulfilling. Despite the many benefits, keeping a furry animal in your home can negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ). But don’t worry; by following the tips below, you can mitigate the impact and improve indoor air quality to maintain a healthy and safe environment for you and your furry friend.
The Importance of Maintaining Indoor Air Quality When You Own a Pet
Table of Contents
Various factors can significantly influence residential indoor air quality. For instance, using excessive amounts of spray cleaners with harmful chemicals in a closed environment harms the air quality that residents are exposed to. On the other hand, having pets can lead to an increase in airborne particulates, such as pet dander and fur, which can circulate through the home and clog heating and cooling equipment, reducing their efficiency. As a result, pet owners must put in more effort to maintain good indoor air quality standards than those without pets.
Having pets can result in an increase of irritants in the air, particularly in the form of pet dander. These irritants can cause allergies or respiratory problems like COPD or asthma. Maintaining good indoor air quality is crucial not only for those living in the household but also for visiting guests.
Optimal Indoor Air Quality Begins with Efficient Filtration
As a pet owner, you should know how to improve indoor air quality in your home. Ensuring that your HVAC system has efficient filtration is one of the most crucial steps you to take to improve the indoor air quality in your home. Air filters are designed to remove tiny particulates that would otherwise circulate throughout the house, allowing the residents to breathe clean air. It is essential to monitor, change, and replace air filters regularly. This will prevent them from becoming clogged with debris and releasing captured particulates back into the home. A clogged filter can reduce its ability to capture allergens.
Neglecting filter changes can lead to indoor air quality issues and system failure in severe cases. The HVAC air filter may need to be replaced every 30 to 45 days for households with pets. It is recommended to regularly check the air filter and determine when a replacement is necessary to maintain its effectiveness. Talk to your HVAC contractor about what MERV rating is best for your system.
Practice Good Pet Grooming
Indoor air quality management is vital if you are a pet owner. Regular pet grooming is a crucial aspect of doing so. Brushing your pet’s fur regularly can significantly reduce shedding and decrease the number of airborne particulates. Cleaning litter boxes, kennels, and other pet areas regularly can also help keep your home free of visible pet messes. Investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can effectively capture pet hair, dander, and other allergens, even on non-carpeted surfaces. Using a vacuum with adequate attachments can also help remove pet hair and allergens from upholstered furniture, rugs, drapes, and other fabric-covered items.
Improve IAQ with UV Lights & Dehumidifiers
Knowing how to keep indoor air clean and free from harmful pollutants and allergens is crucial, especially if you have pets. Although changing your HVAC filter is essential, you can also benefit from using UV lights and dehumidifiers. Pets are known to carry and spread germs. They can carry microorganisms on their paws even from a short play session outside. These microorganisms can multiply and become airborne after being wiped off on indoor surfaces.
UV lights can effectively eliminate mold fragments, bacteria, and other pollutants from your indoor air, preventing these issues from spreading. An HVAC contractor can install them in the ductwork or near the evaporator coil, where they have no impact on your pets or family. Meanwhile, using a dehumidifier can also help reduce the amount of allergens and dander produced by pets. All these can make your home safer and healthier.
You should also address high humidity levels in your home. Condensation in windows and the presence of mold at the window sills or in the corners are tell-tale signs of excess indoor moisture. Installing a whole-house dehumidifier can help your HVAC system effectively manage indoor climate control. Molds are harmful to both humans and pets. That is why it is important to tackle excess humidity promptly. Before making any changes, consult your HVAC technician to determine if a whole-house dehumidifier is suitable for your home. They can give sound advice on maintaining indoor air quality and HVAC systems in general.
Importance of Performing Regular Ductwork Inspections
Regular inspections of your ductwork are essential in maintaining good IAQ. Ductwork can easily hold mold and other harmful substances and accumulate dirt, pet dander, and other debris leading to poor air quality in homes. Any damage in the ductwork can decrease the effectiveness of your HVAC system. This can lead to other issues like excess humidity. Regular inspections and maintenance not only enhance indoor air quality but also safeguards the health of those living in the space.
Maximizing Your HVAC System’s Efficiency with Regular Tune-Ups
In addition to regular ductwork inspections, your HVAC system also needs regular tune-ups. A comprehensive maintenance service can extend the lifespan of your system. HVAC tune-ups allow you to get the best performance and value from the system. It also ensures you get proper temperature and humidity control. You can maintain superior IAQ with a well-functioning HVAC system and effective air filtration, even with pets in the home.
Call Skylands Energy Service To Learn More About Indoor Air Quality Solutions
Skylands Energy Service provides top-notch HVAC services throughout central New Jersey. Our team of certified technicians is the best in the business. We offer a wide range of services, including HVAC replacements, installations, maintenance, and repairs.
We offer highly competitive service rates in the area. Our tune-up services can help lower energy bills while improving your comfort and energy efficiency. If you want to improve your IAQ, we have the expertise and knowledge of the latest solutions to meet your home comfort needs. All our work is guaranteed for your peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home estimate and experience the best heating and cooling services with Skylands Energy Service.
Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more! Click the link to view our service area.