Simple Tips For Pet Owners To Improve Their Indoor Air Quality
Pets provide many benefits for their human companions, particularly in enhancing our overall quality of life. Both feline and canine friends offer comfort and socialization. Animals form bonds with their owners who report that this unique connection is both therapeutic and rewarding. There is, however, a disadvantage to having furry animals inside the home. Pets tend to shed fur, hair, and dander which can diminish IAQ or indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure that your air is safe and that you can maintain a healthy environment indoors. This article discusses some effective ways to improve indoor air quality, even while keeping pets at home.
How Pets Affect Your Indoor Air Quality
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Certain factors contribute to the quality of indoor air. In a home using central heating and air conditioning, the environment is typically closed. This means there is little (if at all) exchange of fresh air in place of stale air. Many homeowners also use spray cleaners that may contain harmful chemicals. If you have pets, it is likely you will notice the presence of airborne particulates such as fur, pet dander, and the like. In an enclosed space, these particulates will be circulated over and over again. Furthermore, particulates tend to cause clogging in your HVAC equipment’s air filtration system and decrease its efficiency. For homeowners who share indoor living space with their pets, it is prudent to take the necessary steps to ensure that indoor air is clean and safe to breathe.
The Impact Of Excellent Filtration On Indoor Air Quality
If you live with pets, one of the most critical things you need to do to keep indoor air safe is to ensure that you have excellent air filtration in your HVAC system. Air filters sift tiny particles from the air that your HVAC system would otherwise distribute throughout the house. This is the same air that occupants of a home breathe in. Since these are air pollutants, it is important that you keep a close eye out for filtration components so you know when to change or replace them once they become clogged. Never allow air filters to accumulate too much debris because this will affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. Plus, the filtration system will fail to trap particulates effectively.
A key concern about clogged air filters is that once this happens frequently, your HVAC system will no longer work as efficiently as it did before. If the problem is not resolved or worsens, the HVAC system will fail completely. If you have a number of pets living indoors, it is likely that your air filtration system will have to be replaced more frequently, say every 30-45 days. To be on the safe side, visually check the HVAC air filter on a monthly basis to see if a replacement is necessary.
Good Pet Grooming Matters
If your pet receives regular grooming, this will help control the number of particulates they release into the air. Depending on the type of fur or coat your pet may have, give them a regular bath and brush their hair. This will help control shedding. If you keep their litter boxes indoors, clean these regularly along with the kennels. Do the same for playpens and holding areas.
Your lungs will feel the difference once you reduce the number of particulates in the air. Consider using a high-power vacuum cleaner as well, preferably one that has a HEPA filter. Whether or not you have carpeting, a good quality vacuum cleaner will do wonders for maintaining good indoor air quality. With a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner and the right attachments, you can collect tiny particulates such as pet hair and dander, along with other allergens from your floors, rugs, drapes, upholstery, and other surfaces.
Using Dehumidifiers And UV Lights For Better IAQ
If you want an extra level of protection against indoor air pollutants, consider using UV lighting. Pets (and humans) are sources of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. These can be carried and transmitted through fur and paws when pets come in from outdoors. These microorganisms can be transferred to indoor surfaces and even become airborne.
UV lights are a great solution for eliminating microorganisms such as bacteria and mold spores. UV lights can kill many types of germs and keep indoor air safe to breathe. You can ask your HVAC contractor about installing UV lights directly into your HVAC ductwork or near the evaporator coil. Since the HVAC contractor installs lights away from sight, it will not have any direct impact on both humans and pets.
Another key issue you need to fix for better indoor air quality is humidity. If your home has high levels of moisture in the air, you will likely see condensation collect on your window panes. You might also have problems with mold which may grow in dark corners or even window sills. To address this, have a dehumidifier installed to work with your HVAC system. A dehumidifier will eliminate excess moisture from the air and create a more comfortable living space.
Keep in mind that mold can be dangerous to both humans and animals. If you do not resolve indoor humidity, mold problems will not go away. If you want a more thorough solution, ask your local HVAC contractor about a whole-house air purifier. In many cases, this may be the best option for your home.
Why You Need Regular HVAC Ductwork Inspections
The condition of your ductwork impacts your indoor air quality. This is why it is important to schedule regular inspections from an HVAC professional. Ductwork systems tend to collect dirt and dust, and often become breeding grounds for mold. If there are damaged sections, these will also affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. With regular inspections, the HVAC technician will be able to identify problems and fix them as early as possible.
Do Not Miss HVAC Tune-Ups
Ask your HVAC professional to perform an HVAC tune-up along with the regular inspections. It is often part of the comprehensive maintenance and inspection services that your HVAC contractor offer to extend the system’s lifespan. Tune-ups help enhance the function of your HVAC system and ensure that it is able to perform well. With a functioning HVAC system, your air filters work and any issues with temperature and humidity are controlled. This ensures that you and your pets get to enjoy excellent indoor air quality.
Call Townsend Energy For Superior Indoor Air Quality Solutions
When it comes to HVAC systems, you can trust Townsend Energy to give you superior heating and cooling services. We cater to residents in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, providing support and advice through our certified professional technicians. From tune-ups and installations to repairs and replacements, you can rely on us to provide you with the best and most reliable HVAC services. Our technicians are the best in the business, backed by years of experience and training to ensure that your HVAC system is given the best care possible.
Townsend Energy can guarantee competitive HVAC services costs to ensure that you are provided with professional attention when and where you need it most. We give full attention to our clients’ needs, budget, and comfort considerations, which is why we provide only the most affordable and advanced solutions in the industry. If you want to know more about what we can do, call us today and ask for our in-home estimate at no cost to you.
Contact us now at (800) 722-4101 to find out more!