Despite being wonderful companions for people in Walla Walla, WA, and beyond, most household pets have adverse effects on indoor air quality. Luckily, once you know the forms of these effects, you can learn how to mitigate them.
Allergens, Allergens, Allergens
Furry animals can shed hair and dander almost continuously, leaving traces in the air without you even noticing. But the impact upon IAQ, though initially subtle, can snowball into something more severe with time, especially if you or those living with you suffer from seasonal allergies.
Unfortunately, pet hair and dander aren’t the only sources of allergens. Allergens may also reside in your pet’s saliva, urine, and feces.
Effects On Your HVAC System
Your home HVAC system can play a fairly prominent role in maintaining your IAQ. By simply circulating air as part of its ordinary cooling or heating processes, your HVAC unit can remove dirtier air and replace it with cleaner air.
For this to happen, however, your system’s air filters must be clean and reliable. Pet hair and dander can sometimes float into your HVAC filters, interfering with your unit’s functioning.
How To Prevent These Negative Effects
We recommend doing a few simple but important things to reduce these harmful effects on IAQ and others. First, regularly and thoroughly clean your home, vacuuming and scrubbing the areas where your pets hang out most often. Second, arrange for regular maintenance on your HVAC system to keep filters unclogged.
Finally, consider buying some IAQ products. Air cleaners, air purifiers, and dehumidifiers are all excellent choices.
Pets can affect indoor air quality, but with diligence and the right expertise, you can create a healthy environment with your IAQ. To help you breathe better around your furry friends in Walla Walla, WA, call us at College Place Heating & Air Conditioning to speak with our indoor air quality team.
Image provided by iStock
