There’s nothing quite like coming home to a wagging tail or a happy purr after a long day of work. According to the Humane Society, around 62 percent of households in the United States own at least one pet. People love their pets and often consider them a member of the family; however, when there’s an allergy sufferer in the house, life can be pretty miserable for that individual, no matter how much he or she loves the animal.

Reducing Allergens from Pets in Your Home

Contrary to some beliefs, it’s not the animal hair that causes allergies in humans. Rather, it’s the pet dander that is the culprit. Pet dander consists of tiny pieces of skin, which every animal create. This dander accumulates throughout the home, but especially inside your ventilation and heating and air conditioning system, forcing those allergens to be released throughout the home.

Luckily, there are some methods and new innovations in HVAC technology that can help alleviate some of those allergy symptoms. Hold off on re-homing Fido or Fluffy; here are a few options you should try to make the allergy sufferer more comfortable:

Get your HVAC system cleaned. Schedule an annual furnace check to ensure your HVAC system is getting a thorough cleaning at least once a year. This will not only remove the buildup of contaminants like pet dander and greatly improve air quality in your home, but can also extend the life of your system and help you avoid costly repairs.

Invest in a better air filter. A high quality furnace filter are a great defense against poor air quality levels in your home. If you have pets, it’s wise to purchase an electronic filter that uses electric charges to attract and deposit allergens and irritants around the home. Or, try a HEPA air cleaner to assist your furnace in eliminating allergens from the air; HEPA cleaners are equipped with electrostatic filters that are specifically designed to remove allergen particles from animals.

Check out some new innovations in HVAC technology. There are devices you can install with your HVAC system that utilize ultra-violet lights to kill airborne particles and germs, plus neutralize pet odors in your home.

Get your ducts cleaned. Schedule an air duct cleaning every five years or so to help remove animal dander and other debris that could be clogging up your ductwork. Every time your HVAC system runs, those built-up contaminants are getting spewed out into the air in your home.

Kick the furry friend off the couch. While it’s nice to snuggle with your pets, allowing them onto the couch or bed aren’t doing your allergies any favors. Their dander will get left behind on every surface, so give your pet a designated cushion or pet bed to sleep on – on the floor.

Keep a tidy home. Finally, there’s something to be said about running the vacuum and dusting regularly, even daily if you can manage it. Sweeping away those allergens will greatly improve the conditions for the allergy sufferer in your home.

If you need to schedule your annual furnace maintenance or duct cleaning, contact our team of professionals today! If you’re in the Cleveland area, give us a call at 216-663-6462.