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Showing posts with label pet allergies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pet allergies. Show all posts

Friday, December 14, 2018

You Might Need an Air Duct Cleaning If…


If you own a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, at some point it’s going to need a thorough cleaning. It’s important to know what factors might be increasing your need for a professional cleaning sooner rather than later, and the information below can help!
You might need an air duct cleaning if...

…You Have Pets

If you have pets, they are most likely spending a lot of time indoors, especially during the colder months of the year. What you might not know is that your pet is continuously dropping off pet dander that can travel all over your house, wherever your pet goes, wherever you go, and wherever there’s an air vent--basically everywhere.
Dander itself is skin flakes that all animals produce, and dander--not hair--is what causes people with animal-related allergies to have an allergic reaction. Over time, your pet’s dander will find its way into your air ducts, where it will collect and be released by your HVAC throughout each room of your house. As a result, your home air quality will start to diminish.

...You Have Allergies or Even Asthma

Literally millions of Americans suffer from allergies and asthma. On an annual basis, 50 million Americans are suffering from allergies, and 24 million are affected by asthma. So what does this have to do with air ducts?
As you can probably guess, components of your HVAC system can become coated with dust, allergens, spores, and other irritants that then get pushed out into your home, affecting its air quality. If you suffer from allergies and asthma, having clean air ducts may help lessen the volume of air particles triggering your symptoms.

...Children or Elderly Individuals Live in Your House

Children and the elderly can be especially susceptible to the harmful effects of poor air quality. While many people may know this, research from the American Lung Association has revealed that 87% of Americans don’t know that the indoor air in most American homes is actually more polluted than the air outdoors. Keeping this in mind, it’s also important to remember that children and the elderly--especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases--are probably spending more time indoors than anyone else.
Before welcoming a newborn baby or an elderly parent into your home, you may want to inspect the cleanliness of your HVAC system to help ensure a cleaner living space and prevent allergic reactions and illness.

...Someone in Your Household Smokes Indoors

While smoking can be detrimental to your health, it can also increase your need for an air duct cleaning. Unfortunately, when someone smokes indoors, the smoke doesn’t have many places to go. It’s almost a certainty that it will be pulled through your air ducts and that the smell will start to saturate your home. Even if you are not particularly bothered by the smell, the smoke particles are also going to be forced back into the home by the HVAC system, which could cause guests to become ill or suffer an allergic reaction or asthma attack.
It’s perfectly normal for your air ducts to need a professional cleaning from time to time. At GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration, we provide comprehensive air duct cleaning services, including inspections, cleaning of entire HVAC systems and their components, and anti-microbial treatments registered with EPA. If you have any of the four factors listed above, contact us to schedule an inspection.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

What You Need to Know About Pet Dander


Have your loving pets been making life hard on your allergies lately? While our furry friends bring us infinite happiness, they can also bring us sneezing, coughing, congestion, runny noses, and rashes.

If you are experiencing these side effects when you are cuddling with your companion, it is probably because you are allergic to them, or more specifically, their dander.

What is pet dander?

According to the American Lung Association, pet dander is tiny flakes of skin shed by virtually any pet with fur or feathers – this includes cats, dogs, rodents, and even birds. Although they are unseen by the naked eye, that doesn't stop these microscopic allergens from making their way into our lungs and throat.

Because of their size and unique, jagged shape, pet allergens pose more of a threat than allergens from cockroaches and dust mites. They can remain suspended in the air for a long time, and easily stick to surfaces such as furniture, bedding, and clothing. It is not uncommon for pet dander to be found in homes or buildings without pets.

Who is allergic to pet dander?

It is estimated that as much as 30% of people with allergies are allergic to animals. Cat allergies are about twice as common as dog allergies. Because it is the dander we are allergic to, it does not matter if it is a short-haired or a long-haired breed, the effect will be the same.

How can I rid my home of pet dander?

The most effective way to get rid of pet dander is by getting rid of your pet – but we understand that isn't always an option. Even once your pet is gone, it may still take several months before your home is dander-free anyways. If you want to keep your pet, but reduce dander levels in your home, here are some things you can do:
  • Remove carpeting from your home. Dander doesn't stick nearly as well to hardwood floors.
  • If you must have carpet, choose a low one and steam-clean it regularly.
  • Routinely vacuum the furniture and bedding in your home.
  • Add an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
  • Get your air ducts cleaned.

Yes, pet dander can even make it's way into your HVAC ducts, where it can be recirculated anywhere throughout the entire house. If you are looking for a professional duct cleaning company on Long Island, look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. All of our cleaning methods are completely eco-friendly, and we serve both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.