Owning a pet can be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life. However, it can also wreak havoc on your home’s indoor quality, which can make it harder to breathe or otherwise impact your quality of life. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to ensure that your HVAC system is capable of working at peak efficiency even with an animal in the house.
Consider an Air Purifier
A whole-home or localized air purifier can remove a significant amount of fur or dander that your pets leave behind. It may also be able to get rid of some or all of the scents associated with them. For instance, it can help to neutralize the smell of your cat’s litter box or the smell a wet dog gives off.
Have Your Home’s Ducts Cleaned Regularly
Pet hair and dander that is left on the back of the couch, on the floor or elsewhere in your home will eventually make it into your home’s ducts. From there, it can easily get transported to every room in the house. A portion of that material will also get stuck in the ducts themselves, which will cause additional problems for your heating and cooling system.
It’s recommended that you have your home’s ducts cleaned every three to five years, but if you have pets, it may be a good idea to do so every year or two. Cleaning ducts also gives you a chance to get rid of mold, dust and other material that can cause indoor air quality issues even if you don’t have animals in your home.
During a duct cleaning, a professional may also look for signs of damage such as holes or sagging. Having ducts repaired or sealed may improve your home’s indoor air quality and save money on heating or cooling costs.
Don’t Forget to Change the Air Filters
When an air filter is working properly, it will catch dust, dander and other particles that can cause indoor air quality issues. However, like anything else in your home, they won’t work forever. Typically, they will reach the end of their useful lives between 30 and 90 days after they are installed.
If you don’t change them within that time frame, they will become clogged and reject excess particles back into the air. In some cases, those particles will make their way into ducts, coat furnace parts or otherwise make your home a less efficient and comfortable place to live.
HVAC Efficiency Is Crucial for Your Pets Also
A properly functioning HVAC system is just as important for your pets in ensuring that they stay healthy and happy. For instance, if your ducts are clogged, certain rooms of the home are going to be colder than others in the winter and hotter than others in the summer. This may cause them to spend a lot of time wandering around your house trying to get comfortable instead of snoozing by your side.
It’s also possible for your pets to suffer from allergies and other breathing issues. They may also suffer from dry or itchy skin that can be exacerbated by poor indoor air quality.
You also don’t want your animals licking carpets, floors or other surfaces that are contaminated by dirt, dander or other contaminants. Ensuring that your HVAC system is clean can reduce the risk of unclean or unsafe surfaces in your home.
Groom Your Pets Regularly
Another great way to keep your pets from spoiling your home’s indoor air quality is to keep them groomed. Shaving them in the summer months can cut down on airborne fur and dander while also keeping them cool and comfortable during the hot and humid summer months in Northglenn, CO. It can also reduce the amount of grass, pollen or other pollutants that outdoor animals can bring into your home.
If you are in need of HVAC services, don’t hesitate to call the friendly staff at Unique Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. today! In addition to repairing your heater or installing a new air conditioner, we can clean your home’s ducts with ease. We also offer air scrubbing service to keep your home as comfortable and efficient as possible throughout the year. Contact us to assist you in maintaining the indoor air quality in your home and keeping you and your pets healthy and comfortable.
