Many people are allergic to pet dander, which consists of tiny flecks of skin that cats, dogs, rodents, and birds lose along with their fur or feathers. The most common symptoms are sneezing, watery eyes, rashes, and trouble breathing. Even if you don’t have pets, you could be allergic to pet dander that clings to furniture, carpets, and clothes of those with pets. You can control allergy symptoms caused by pets by cleaning regularly, using an air purifier, keeping pets away from your bedroom, and maintaining the HVAC system in your Foley, Alabama, home.
Clean Regularly
Even if you’re not allergic to pet dander, pets that go outside can bring pollen, mold, dust, dirt, and other allergens into your home. You can reduce pet dander and other contaminants by cleaning regularly. Dust twice per week with a damp cloth and remember to clean hard surfaces like walls. Have your carpets steam-cleaned often and vacuum every day. You should also wash blankets and pets’ toys often and clean your clean air registers and ceiling fans.
You can make sure your ductwork is clean by removing an air register and checking for dust, dirt, cobwebs, mold, or insect droppings. If you see any of these, have your ducts cleaned by a professional to keep pet dander from spreading through your home as well. If you have cats or dogs, brush them outside every day and bathe them once per week. If several of your family members have allergies, take pets to a professional groomer instead. You should also wash your hands and change your clothes after playing with pets if you have allergies.
Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier can supplement the air filter in your HVAC system and make your indoor air healthier. You can use a less-expensive portable unit in the rooms where your pets spend the most time or have a whole-house system installed by a professional. Air purifiers with higher MERVs (minimum efficiency reporting values) have better filters, and some can even remove viruses and bacteria.
Keep Pets Away from Your Bedroom
Don’t let pets sit on carpeting or furniture, and keep them away from your bedroom. Dander and pet hair can become easily embedded in your carpet and bedding. Apart from aggravating respiratory problems in general, this can also make it difficult for you to get a good night’s sleep.
You should definitely not allow pets in your bed. Instead, buy a bed for your cat or dog and wash it every week. Keep your bedroom door closed at all times.
Maintain Your HVAC System
You should change your air filters at least once per month to improve your indoor air quality and reduce the amount of pet dander in your home. A dirty filter can spread contaminants through your home instead of removing them, and it could increase your utility bills and shorten your system’s life. When you change your air filter, wear a mask and gloves, and seal the old filter in a plastic bag to protect yourself from allergens.
Simple tasks like these are your responsibility, but professional service is needed for more in-depth and effective solutions. Have your HVAC system maintained by a professional twice per year to prevent problems or breakdowns that could harm your air quality and make your allergies worse. Annual inspections are an effective way to identify and fix problems like leaky ductwork.
Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer with more than 50 years of experience. We can help you to install, maintain, and repair a range of HVAC equipment to control allergy symptoms caused by pets. If you have any questions, call us anytime at 251-476-3610 for expert service. We provide experienced indoor air quality services to improve comfort and air conditioning performance throughout the year.
