Indoor Air Quality Hacks for Pet Owners

Pets can bring virtually endless joy to your home. However, even though you love your four-legged, furry friend, they can worsen your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). Fortunately, you can implement some IAQ hacks to protect your IAQ from pet dander and other allergens.

Invest in a Pet-Friendly Air Filter

Standard air filters effectively trap dust, dirt, and other debris that float through the air in your home. However, when you have pet hair, dander, and other allergens present, you need a specialized filter that prevents you from inhaling them. You can find HVAC filters specifically designed for homes with pets. These filters trap microscopic dander while maintaining airflow. Also, instead of checking your filter every three months, pet owners should check their filters every one to two months.

Grooming Is Key

One of the most important aspects of being a responsible pet owner is regularly grooming your pets. While taking them to a professional groomer works well, you should also routinely brush your pets. This applies even to hypoallergenic or short-haired breeds that don’t shed much. Regular brushing reduces the amount of loose hair floating around inside your home. It’s also a good idea to brush your pets outside. If that’s not an option, brush them in a room with hardwood or tile floors. This helps reduce the likelihood of hair trapping in your carpet.

Regular Duct and Vent Cleaning

Keep an eye on your supply vents. If you notice a lot of hair and dust gathering on the vent openings, lift them out, wipe them down, and then replace them. This action helps reduce the amount of hair, dander, and other particulates floating around your house. You can also schedule regular duct cleaning. This process enables professionals to delve deeper into your HVAC system, removing hair and other debris from your ducts. In addition to boosting indoor air quality, duct cleaning boosts your HVAC system’s efficiency and performance.

Choose Flooring and Furniture Wisely

While it’s a larger investment than some of the other options, wisely choosing your flooring and furniture protects IAQ if you’re a pet owner. Carpet notoriously traps allergens, even with regular vacuuming. Additionally, the material you choose for your furniture can trap allergens like pet dander and hair.

Pets easily become some of the most beloved members of your family. However, having them doesn’t mean you have to suffer from itchy eyes, coughing, and other allergy symptoms. Instead, call Integrity Heating & Air to learn more about how we can protect your New Orleans, LA, home’s indoor air quality.