Reduce Pet Allergens With Your HVAC System

Posted by CK on 2nd Feb 2021

How To Reduce Pet Allergens With Your HVAC System?   

If you have pets in your home, chances are you’ve been affected by ped dander. This can be a common cause of allergy and asthma triggers. There are simple ways to reduce pet allergens and improve your allergy and asthma symptoms just by maintaining your HVAC system.

Most importantly, change and clean your filters regularly. Even if you do not have pets in your home, you should be changing your air filters every 30-90 days. If you do suffer from pet allergies, changing your air filter more frequently can help with these symptoms. High-quality filters will prevent fur and dander from getting into your ductwork. Bonus tip: Vacuum around the vents of your air filter. Dust and dander can accumulate on the grates and re-enter the air that you breathe.

Make sure your ducts are clean. Dander that enters into your ducts can accumulate on the surfaces. Air passing through your HVAC system recirculates this allergen putting it back into your living space. If your allergy or asthma symptoms seem to get worse when the HVAC system is turned on, you might need your ducts cleaned. A good rule of thumb is to have a professional cleaning every 3-5 years.

Manage Humidity Levels. Moisture can lead to mod buildup which can cause allergies and asthma symptoms to become worse. If your HVAC system is not performing properly, it may not be removing the humidity from the air very well. Upgrading to a new or high-efficiency system could help with your pet allergies. Look to keep your home below 50% humidity. A higher humidity level can lead to mold and dust mites.

Use an Air Purifier. A whole-house air purifier added to your HVAC system can help improve your allergy symptoms and respiratory health. These air purifiers use UV light to reduce the pathogens in the air. They can trap smaller molecules than traditional air filters and many also remove particles from bacteria, viruses, and smoke.