People often believe they’re allergic to pet hair, but in reality, they’re allergic to pet dander. Pet dander is made up of tiny specks of skin that are shed by common household pets, like dogs and cats. When released into the air, pet dander causes sneezing, runny noses, itchy, red, and watery eyes, and coughing. The best way to alleviate these symptoms (without getting rid of your pet) is to clean pet dander from the home’s ventilation system with a professional and thorough duct cleaning.
Pet Dander and HVAC Systems
Pet dander can accumulate all over your house, but particularly in your home’s air ducts. Your heating, cooling, and ventilation system is not only the perfect place for pet dander to collect, but when the cooling or heating system are turned on, the forced air pushes out the pet dander and redistributes it all over the house. Even if you sweep and vacuum often, when the dust settles, the pet dander is back in the air ducts as well as hundreds of other surfaces in your home. And the cycle repeats itself!
Hire a residential duct cleaning service to remove pet dander and other harmful debris and allergens from your air ducts. In addition to cleaning the air ducts, it may also be beneficial to install filters that will trap pet dander and other harmful allergens, keeping them out of your home’s heating, cooling, and ventilation system.
Consider HEPA Air Filters and Cleaners
As stated above, installing air filters is the first line of defense for HVAC systems. Consider using HEPA air filters and cleaners to keep your HVAC system and air clear of many allergens, including pet dander. Duct cleaning by itself isn’t always enough, but the air filter and cleaner will help maintain the HVAC system until the unit can be serviced again.
Duct Cleaning is Best When Ducts Are Properly Sealed
It’s also important to check that the air ducts are properly sealed. Any gap is an entryway for harmful allergens like pet dander. When scheduling your residential duct cleaning service, make sure to request a review of the duct system sealants and repair any problem areas as soon as possible.
Ready to schedule your spring duct cleaning? Give us a call now: (306) 222-3478.
