While there are some homeowners that are free from the hassles of pet allergens, there are many that struggle with them inside their own home. According to the American Lung Association, when compared to dogs, there is twice the number of people who claim allergies to cats. Yet, 27% of all households have cats as pets. This means that many households are fighting with the presences of pet allergens inside their own home. It is important to understand how these allergens can be reduced and controlled.
Understanding Pet Dander
While many pets leave behind fur, it is actually their dander that tends to trigger the most unpleasant allergic reactions. This common allergen is made up of tiny flakes of skin that shed onto furniture, floors, and is quickly circulated through the air.
The saliva of pets can also become dry flakes – transported through the house alongside pet dander.
Pet Dander and Indoor Air Quality
Due to its microscopic size, pet dander is incredibly buoyant and can remain airborne for a very long time. It is easily circulated to the rest of the home through HVAC systems. This affecting the indoor air quality and triggering allergic reactions.
As it is traveling through the air, pet dander stitches to any furniture, clothing, and surfaces it comes across.
From the home, particularly through clothing, dander can be transported into the air of other buildings. This means that even if a home or business is pet-free, there can still be pet dander present.
Air Filtration Systems: A Pet Owner’s Best Friend
Thankfully, there is a way for homeowners to significantly reduce the amount of pet dander in their home.
An air filtration system professionally installed to your existing HVAC system can greatly improve the indoor air quality of your home. Doing so effectively removes pet dander and other allergens. In fact, a high-efficiency air filtration system can remove up to 95% of microscopic airborne particles.
No matter what types of pets you may have, it is important to receive regular maintenance on your HVAC system. Keeping up-to-date on these services can ensure that it’s running as efficiently as possible. This also includes changing your filters regularly
