Having a pet can help improve your life quality. Canine and feline friends give socialization and comfort to many people around the world. There is no doubt that caring for a pet can be a therapeutic and rewarding endeavor. However, the indoor air quality in your home can suffer when you have furry animals in your home.
In this article, we share some simple tips you can do to improve indoor air quality. These tips will also help you prevent the air quality issues that come with owning a pet. This way, you can ensure that your living environment becomes a comfortable and safe space that everyone in your household can enjoy.
A building’s indoor air quality is affected by many different things. For example, you might have an enclosed space that utilizes a central AC. Using a lot of spray cleaners to clean around this close area will severely affect the air you breathe in. Having pets at home works with the same principle. Instead of harmful chemicals, airborne particles like fur and animal dander will be circulated throughout your home. Unfortunately, these can block your HVAC system and affect its overall efficiency and effectiveness. It is, therefore, vital that pet parents work harder than those who do not have pets to achieve clean and breathable indoor air.
Some of the adverse effects that airborne particulates from your pets can have include aggravating any existing respiratory illnesses or pet allergies. Excess animal dander in the air can further damage the lungs of an individual who is suffering from asthma or COPD. When you work hard to keep the air clean, you not only protect your family. You safeguard your guests as well.
One of the best ways pet owners can do to enhance their home’s air quality is to make sure that your HVAC system is equipped with excellent air filtration. Air filters trap small particles that would otherwise be circulated and inhaled by the occupants of your home. It is vital that you routinely check, clean, or replace the air filters. A dirty air filter means that the accumulated debris is re-circulated throughout your home. It won’t be able to work as effectively as well.
A clogged air filter can also lead to your HVAC system not working as it should. Even worse, it can lead to a breakdown. If you have one or more pets at home, your HVAC air filter likely needs to be replaced at least once every 30 to 45 days. It is recommended that you conduct frequent checks and assessments to determine when you need to replace your HVAC air filter.
It is vital that your pet receive regular grooming. Brush your dog or cat’s fur to lessen shedding. It would help if you also cleaned out kennels, litter boxes, and other areas that your animal uses. This way, your lungs do not need to fight off as many particulates as there are less visible pet messes. It is also recommended that you use a high-power vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. Even if you don’t have carpets, you can utilize the vacuum on surfaces like drapes, rugs, and couches. These areas are notorious for collecting hairs, pet dander, and other allergens.
You can also use UV lighting to purify and cleanse the air inside your home. Our pets can carry germs that can be transmitted to the surfaces around our house. Even a quick walk outside can result in your pet’s paw being covered in potentially harmful microorganisms. These can them transfer to everything your pet walks on, multiply, and be airborne.
UV lights can help kill bacteria, mold spores, and other contaminants before they spread around your house. An HVAC technician can install them into your ducts or near your unit’s evaporator coil. Since they are placed outside of your living space, rest assured that UV lights will not directly affect all human or animal residents in your house.
High humidity in your home should also be addressed immediately. Keep in mind that the excess moisture in the air creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow. A few signs that your home is suffering from high humidity include water stains on your walls and ceilings and fogged up windows. A whole-house dehumidifier will work in tandem with your HVAC system to better control the moisture in your home. You should also consult with your local, trusted HVAC contractor about installing a whole-house air purifier in your home.
You must also be proactive in having your ductwork regularly inspected. The network of ducts inside your home is also notorious for being a breeding ground for mold. It is also where a lot of the dust, dander, and other pollutants congregate. When parts of the duct are damaged, it can significantly hamper the overall efficiency and operations of your HVAC unit. It can lead to a myriad of problems, such as high levels of humidity. Making sure that your ductwork is routinely inspected will not only improve your IAQ. It will also safeguard your health and well-being.
Along with ductwork inspections, ensure that your HVAC system receives proper and regular maintenance as well. These thorough checks and tune-up services can help extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment, so make sure they are done at least once a year. HVAC maintenance can also make sure that you get the most out of your system. It will also help keep the temperature and humidity control at optimum functionality. When you have a well-maintained HVAC unit and an excellent filtration system, you can be sure that your home will have high indoor air quality even as you share your home with your beloved pets.
When you need high-quality heating and cooling services in Hartford County, Connecticut, do not hesitate to call Tower Energy. Rest assured that our NATE certified technicians can conduct HVAC services correctly and quickly, without leaving any mess behind. Our excellent services include boiler repairs, AC tune-ups, mini-split installations, furnace replacements, among others.
Tower Energy guarantees affordable HVAC service prices in the area. Our check and maintenance services can help enhance your home comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. All of these can be achieved while also reducing your energy costs. We will make sure to provide you with the most viable solutions for your specific home comfort needs. Your satisfaction is important to us, and that’s why we back all our work with a warranty. Book an appointment with Tower Energy today. We offer free, no-obligation, in-home consultations.
Contact us now or call us at (860) 677-7347 to find out more.
