Your Pets May Be Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality

Furry Friends and Negative Effects on Indoor Air Quality

We all love our pets—they’re members of our families, and studies have shown that they can help reduce stress, improve mental health, and lower blood pressure. What you may not realize is that your animal companions may be affecting your indoor air quality. It is essential to understand how this can happen and what you can do about it.

How Do Your Pets Impact Air Quality?

Pets shed, and certain breeds can shed more hair than others. You may set your focus on cleaning up their fur, but what you might not realize is that your furry pets also shed pet dander.

Pet dander is composed of microscopic skin cells that are released into the air when your pet sheds. Because it is so small, dander can stay in the air for a long time. Pet dander is frequently the source of allergies, but it can also cause issues for people with asthma or other breathing conditions. Pet dander can also settle onto clothes, furniture, and carpets, where it will stay until it is moved, and the dander will be reintroduced to the air again.

The supplies for your pet can also introduce particles into the air.- This can include cat litter or bedding used in small animal cages that create dust that you might not even notice.

Pet fur can also cause issues with your HVAC system. Even the most diligent pet owners cannot prevent some pet fur from ending up in their air vents. This can cause blockages in the ducts that will make it harder for the system to function correctly.

What can you do?

There are a few things you can do to help minimize your pets’ impact on your indoor air quality.

• Vacuum your carpets and sweep any uncarpeted rooms frequently.
• Bathe your dogs often. Cats typically do not need to be bathed, but your vet might recommend a waterless shampoo to help reduce dander.
• Brush your cats and dogs regularly. Do this outside, if possible. If it isn’t possible, then be sure to vacuum and sweep after you are done.
• Use furniture covers in any rooms that your pets have access to. Furniture covers should be removed and washed frequently.
• Switch to dust-free cat litter and bedding options. Keep litter boxes away from air intake vents.
• Install HEPA air filters in your home. You may need to change the air filters more often than the manufacturer recommends. Dirty air filters make your HVAC system work harder, which can cause damage to the system.
• Have your air ducts cleaned by a professional.

HVAC Cleaning in Suffolk County

At GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration, we do not use any toxic chemicals, providing our customers with environmentally friendly and superior results. If you suspect that air ducts are due for routine maintenance, call us to schedule your HVAC cleaning at 631-940-8100. Improve your home’s indoor air quality today!