Cat looking at large pile of pet fur and dirt debris

Air Quality Tips for Homes with Pets

November 14, 2024 | Chuck Kim | Blog, Indoor Air Quality

Pets are a lovely addition to any home and can quickly become part of the family. You love your pets and can’t imagine life without them. However, you may wish to live without all the hair and dander throughout your home. Furry pets such as dogs, cats, and even gerbils leave hair and dander all around the house, worsening allergy symptoms.

What is dander? Our furry friends naturally shed dead skin cells, just like humans do. These dead skin cells can collect on surfaces as dander, which many people are allergic to.

Dogs and cats are the most common culprits for dander and hair, and keeping that under control can improve the air quality in your home. Better indoor air quality helps alleviate allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes and a runny nose.

If you’re looking for help controlling the fur and dander in your home, you’ve come to the right place. This discussion will cover six cleaning tips and tricks you can use to improve the overall air quality in your home.

Regular Grooming

It’s natural for your pet to shed throughout the year, especially during the spring and fall. Regular grooming reduces the amount of loose pet hair around your home, and can even reduce pet odors. The frequency of brushing your pet depends on the type of fur coat they have. Dogs and cats with longer fur such as golden retrievers and Maine Coons need more frequent brushing to minimize shedding and prevent knots and mats in the fur.

If you own a dog, regular baths can also reduce allergens. Depending on the type of fur your dog has, we recommend bathing them around once a month to reduce allergens and prevent skin issues for your pet. Cats do not need to be bathed as they take care of that themselves, so don’t worry about throwing Whiskers in the bathtub.

If your dog is starting to get smelly in between baths, you can use specialized pet wipes to clean your dog without having to hoist them into the washtub. These wipes reduce dander and leave your pet smelling fresh and clean.

Use an Air Purifier

An air purifier is a great tool for improving your indoor air quality (IAQ). They come in a variety of sizes for different spaces, so you can find the right one for your home. Look for an air purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. These filters are made of a fine mesh that is designed to catch air particles such as dander, dust, and other contaminants.

Air purifiers provide your home with cleaner air and fewer allergy symptoms. They are relatively quiet, and you can set them up in an area of your home with the most dander, such as near the dog bed or cat tree.

Wash Pet Bedding

Your pet spends a lot of time curled up on their bed or cat tree, and you’ve probably noticed a ton of fur building up in these places. Regularly washing your pet’s beds, blankets, and toys reduces the amount of allergens in your home. This in turn reduces allergy and respiratory symptoms, making the house more comfortable for everyone.

When you clean these items, clean off any hair buildup before throwing it into the washing machine. Excess hair can build up in your machine and cause a clog, so spot-clean any noticeable mess beforehand. Use hot water and a detergent that is formulated specifically for pets. This way, the blankets and toys are effectively cleaned of allergens while still being gentle for your pet’s skin.

Routine HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system consists of your furnace, air conditioner, and a series of ducts that circulate the air throughout your home. Over time, dust and debris can build up and reduce the efficiency of your system.

Routine maintenance and repairs help keep your HVAC system running smoothly without any issues. Minor issues get caught early on, and your system will last a lot longer. These inspections can also check the cleanliness of your system. A professional HVAC cleaning reduces allergens such as dander while keeping your system working like a charm.

Your HVAC technician can also add in an extra filtration system so your HVAC catches more allergens before circulating the air throughout your home. This improves air quality and reduces allergy symptoms.

General Cleanliness

Regular house cleaning reduces overall allergens in your home and improves your air quality. Something as simple as dusting or sweeping cleans up pet dander and prevents itchy eyes. If you have carpets, deep clean them on occasion. Dander and fur like to burrow into the carpet over time, and vacuuming may not be enough.

HVAC Repairs You Can Do Yourself

There are a handful of HVAC repairs you can safely do yourself to improve the efficiency of your system and improve air quality. Change the air filters in your system every 30 to 60 days to reduce allergens in your home. You can also tidy up around your furnace or air conditioning unit so there is proper ventilation and airflow.

Explore Semper Fi’s Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Having a pet shouldn’t leave you sniffling and wheezing from allergens. Regular cleaning and professional HVAC services can reduce pet allergens in your home and improve air quality. Play with your furry companions with the peace of mind that your home is clean and allergen-free.

Looking for indoor air quality services in the Phoenix or Las Vegas areas? Semper Fi Heating & Cooling offers custom IAQ services that will keep your home fresh and clean all year round. Our team of certified and insured HVAC technicians understands the importance of high air quality, and we’ll work with you to find the best air quality solutions for your family.