Air quality is an important consideration for many homeowners, and often particularly so for those who own shedding pets like cats or dogs. Due to the hair and dander these furry friends release on a regular basis, air quality can be a bit lower on average in homes where such pets are present – but with the right HVAC themes and assistance from our quality team, this will be no concern for you at all.
At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re here to help. We offer a number of indoor air quality solutions for all our clients, from filters and duct cleaning services up through UV lights, home humidifiers and several other services or products to help keep your air healthy and clean, including for homes with pets. What are some of the top themes such homeowners should be keeping in mind for their pets and related air quality, whether on their own or with the assistance of our HVAC professionals? Here are some basic areas.
Filtration
The single simplest and most important theme we’ll hit on here is that of filtration, specifically your HVAC filter. This filter is in charge of trapping small particles and contaminants that would circulate into your air, instead holding them in so they don’t make it into your lungs or those of anyone else in the home. Filters aren’t only valuable for air quality, either: Clear, clean filters allow for seamless air flow, while clogged filters force the system to work harder to pump the same amount of air into the home, raising your monthly costs significantly in some cases.
One particular area filters are great for: Trapping pet hair, pet dander, allergens connected to pets, and any other contaminants they may carry or promote. Filters should be changed or cleaned at least as often as manufacturer recommendations, or even slightly more often for those with dogs or cats who shed excessively.
In addition, consider the type of filter you’re using and whether it’s robust enough. If you’re unsure here, speak to our HVAC technicians about HVAC filters and MERV ratings, and we’ll guide you in the right direction for the proper air filter level for your home.
Pet Grooming
One major non-HVAC theme to hit here: Ensuring your pet receives regular grooming, whether professionally or carried out by you on a regular basis. One of the biggest areas to remember is brushing, especially for high-shedding pets – you might be shocked at how much hair and dander you can remove on a weekly basis, something that should be done outside so hair doesn’t recirculate into your home.
In addition, we recommend cleaning out kennels, liter boxes and other common areas your pet spends time in. Not only will cleaning up messes improve the general air quality in that room, this practice will lead to less strain on the air filter. We also recommend using a high-powered vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean common pet areas, not only for carpets but also for drapes, rugs and even couches – all areas that are common collectors of pet hair, dander and related allergens.
HVAC Upgrades
For those who are particularly interested in high air quality, there are several different HVAC upgrades you might consider:
- UV lights: Modern UV lights are known to help kill bacteria, mold and various other contaminants before they spread in the home. These are installed into ducts or near the evaporator coil of your unit, and will not directly impact any people or animals in the house while keeping air clean.
- Additional filtration: We offer products like boxed media filters to improve indoor air quality in specific areas.
- Home humidifiers: For some, clean air also involves moisture that limits its dryness and makes it easier to breathe. Depending on the area of your home and its needs, we can install large or small humidifiers to improve air quality – or dehumidifiers in certain areas to limit the potential for mold or mildew.
Duct Inspections
Another major area our HVAC professionals are happy to assist with is duct inspections, which should be done regularly on any home – especially those with pets or other indoor air quality concerns. Ducts are known to be a breeding ground for mold if they aren’t properly cleaned and maintained, for instance, and mold can have several negative health impacts on people. In addition, damaged ducts will be far less efficient and will cost you money on your monthly bill.
For the areas where it’s possible without any assistance, we recommend general visual inspections of your ducts, vents and registers on a regular basis. Check for any buildups, strange odors or especially signs of mold buildup. In addition, however, we strongly advise calling our team for professional duct inspection and cleaning, as we hit the entire duct system – including areas homeowners without training will not be able to reach.
Overall HVAC Maintenance
In addition, overall HVAC maintenance is an important theme here. From inspections of your components and ductwork to minor repairs or upgrades in certain areas, your system’s lifespan will be improved significantly if you see to its care. For those with pets in the home who may strain the system slightly more than it normally would be under standard circumstances, such maintenance and tune-ups are of even greater importance. Call our team for an inspection and maintenance appointment today.
For more on how to manage air quality and HVAC themes in a home with shedding pets, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.