Although pet ownership is associated with numerous health benefits, the constant shedding could be affecting your well-being. For some folks, pet hair is more than a daily annoyance. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 30 percent of Brunswick, Georgia, residents who have allergies experience symptoms when they spend time around pets. Even if you don’t suffer from allergies, here are three ways that your furry friends affect your home’s indoor air quality.
1. Pet Dander
Dander consists of microscopic skin particles and proteins that trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in some people. Dander is extremely lightweight, so it remains airborne much longer than other allergens.
2. Dirty Paws
Pets are more than happy to track in enough dirt to cover the entire house. On a walk in the park, your dog can pick up gobs of dust from the trail and a multitude of germs from the soil. Their fur can also capture plenty of grass pollen during an adventure in the backyard.
3. Pet Hair
It seems like dogs and cats are always shedding. Because pet hair and dander have jagged edges, they stick to everything, including the sofa and your favorite sweater. Particles that are too heavy to float will settle on the floor in clumps. This creates the perfect breeding ground for dust mites.
Removing Pet Allergens to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Your pets affect your indoor air quality around the clock, but there are a few ways to minimize the negative effects. For cleaner air, follow these tips:
- Wash pet bedding using hot water, and brush pets outside your home.
- Always vacuum along the baseboard where dust and pet hair collect.
- If you’re allergic, wear a dust mask while cleaning.
- Change your HVAC return filter frequently.
- Consider installing an air cleaner to remove pet dander and other allergens.
For more ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality, call The A/C Guys at 912-268-1514. You can find more information about our services and our range of Trane air cleaners online.
