For many, pets are beloved family members, providing companionship and joy. However, living with pets can be a constant struggle for those with allergies. Pet allergens, such as dander, hair, and saliva, can cause a range of symptoms, including sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce pet allergies with your HVAC system. You can create a healthier and more comfortable environment by taking some simple steps to control and filter the air in your home.

Use High-quality Air Filters

They are designed to trap and remove these tiny particles from the air, preventing them from circulating in your home and causing allergies.

Most filters comprise dense material, such as fiberglass or pleated paper, that captures particles as air flows through them. As the air flows through the filter, pet allergens and other pollutants and particles get trapped in the filter, allowing only clean air to circulate back into your home.

Several types of air filters are available, including HEPA filters, electrostatic filters, and activated carbon filters. HEPA filters are considered the gold standard in air filtration and are designed to remove the smallest particles from the air.

Electrostatic filters use static electricity to trap particles, and activated carbon filters are designed to remove odors and chemicals from the air.

When selecting an air filter for pet allergies, choosing a filter with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating is essential. The MERV rating indicates how effective the filter is at trapping small particles, like pet dander. A higher MERV rating means the filter can capture smaller particles and more of them.

A MERV rating of 8 or higher is recommended for people with pet allergies. This rating can capture particles as small as 3 microns, including pet dander, hair, and saliva. It’s important to note that filters with a higher MERV rating can restrict airflow, putting extra strain on your HVAC system.

To ensure your system is running efficiently, you must check your HVAC manufacturer’s recommendations for the highest MERV rating they recommend for your system.

Air filters can also help improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by reducing the amount of dust and dirt that accumulates on the system’s components. This can help extend the life of your HVAC system and reduce energy costs.

Consider an Air Purifier

Air purifiers draw in air and pass it through one or more filters that capture particles and pollutants. The air is then released back into the room with fewer contaminants. HEPA filters are considered the gold standard in air filtration and can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. Activated carbon filters are designed to remove odors and chemicals from the air.

Air purifiers can capture and remove pet dander and other allergens from the air, improving indoor air quality and reducing allergy symptoms. When selecting an air purifier for pet allergies, there are several factors to consider, including the type of filter used, the room size, and the noise level.

One of the benefits of using an air purifier that works with your HVAC system is that it can provide whole-house coverage rather than just purifying the air in one room. This is especially important if you have pets that roam freely throughout your home or if you have a large house with multiple floors. By filtering the air in your ducts and vents, these systems can remove pet dander and other allergens from every room in your home, making it a safer and more comfortable place to live.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

Regular HVAC maintenance is essential for ensuring your system runs efficiently and effectively. A professional HVAC technician can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. They can also clean your air ducts and filters, remove any accumulated pet hair and dander, and replace filters to ensure your system works correctly.

A professional HVAC technician can also perform an air quality test to determine your home’s allergens level. They can recommend the best course of action to reduce pet allergies, which may include upgrading your air filter, installing an air purifier, or increasing ventilation.

Regular HVAC maintenance can also help extend your system’s lifespan, saving you money on costly repairs or replacements. It can also improve the energy efficiency of your system, reducing your energy bills.

Scheduling professional HVAC maintenance can give you peace of mind, knowing that your system is working correctly and that your pets and family breathe clean healthy air.

Vacuum Your Vents

Pet hair and dander can accumulate in your home’s vents and ductwork, where it can be circulated throughout your home by your HVAC system. This can lead to poor air quality and exacerbate allergies. Vacuuming your vents can help remove the hair and dander, preventing it from circulating throughout your home.

Vacuuming your vents can also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your HVAC system. When pet hair and dander accumulate in your vents, it can decrease the airflow and strain your system. This can decrease the lifespan of your system and increase the likelihood of breakdowns. By vacuuming your vents regularly, you can prevent this and extend your system’s lifespan.

Keep Your Air Ducts Maintained

Keeping your air ducts clean is essential in reducing pet allergies with your HVAC system. Clean air ducts also help extend your HVAC system’s lifespan, as they put less strain on the system and decrease the likelihood of breakdowns.

Leaks in your air ducts can allow pet hair and dander to enter your HVAC system, decreasing efficiency and increasing the likelihood of breakdowns. Hire a professional to seal any leaks in your air ducts.

Maintain Proper Ventilation

Ventilation is essential to your HVAC system, providing fresh air and regulating temperature and humidity levels inside your home. When your home is poorly ventilated, pet hair and dander can accumulate in the air, creating an environment where allergens can thrive.

Using exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom can help to remove moisture and odors from the air, improving ventilation and reducing the likelihood of mold and mildew growth.

Opening windows can improve ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout your home. Make sure to open windows regularly, especially when cleaning as this can kick up any pet-related allergens in your home and circulate them around an enclosed space while you’re vacuuming or dusting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, at True Climate Heat and Air Company, we are a leading provider of HVAC services, offering a range of solutions to meet the needs of residential and commercial customers. Our focus on customer satisfaction, quality workmanship, and innovative solutions has helped us become a trusted partner for HVAC services. In addition to our HVAC services, we also offer a variety of other service offerings, including plumbing, electrical, and home automation services. Contact True Climate Heat and Air today for more information.

company icon