Have you ever considered that your lovely pet could be harming your indoor air quality in your Waynesboro, VA, home? Pet dander can have a huge impact on human allergies, and pet waste can spread bacteria. You need to know how your pets affect your indoor air quality and what you can do about it.
Pet Fur Carries Dust and Pollen
Pets shed fur and skin throughout their lives, and if you have more than one in your home, then your house could be a veritable fur ball. You may not be able to see it, but pet hair can carry dust and could lead to elevated levels of the allergy-causing particles in your Waynesboro, VA home. As a consequence, these particles lower your indoor air quality, which may lead to health complications.
Health Hazards Due to Indoor Air Pollutants from Pets
Pet dander accumulates over time, and when it reaches dangerous levels, you could be breathing it. Pet waste contains harmful bacteria such as salmonella and e. coli, both of which can cause deadly infections in humans.
The Environmental Protection Agency considers biological pollutants such as dust mites to be one of the top four causes of asthma in children. To stop this harmful effect on your indoor air quality, you should vacuum your home frequently.
What to Do About It
Fortunately for you, there are several ways that you can improve your indoor air quality without giving away your animal friend. First, maintain your HVAC air filters. A clean filter can prevent most of the airborne particles from reaching the inside of your home. You should also change filters regularly, ideally after every three months.
In addition to ensuring that your filter is always clean, you should buy a high-quality air purifier for your home. For example, a whole-home air cleaner can significantly reduce the number of pathogens in your home.
As an added precaution, you may want to keep any cats and dogs out of the bedroom. This will help keep airborne pet dander and hair from accumulating in your sheets, pillows, and blankets.
To ensure that you and your family remain safe and healthy, you should take the appropriate precautions. You can lower the number of harmful bacteria, mites, and allergens in your home by maintaining your HVAC system. For more information about HVAC maintenance, contact Valley Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
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