How Pets Impact IAQ in Crawfordville, FL

Pet owners in Crawfordville, FL find much joy in their furry friends. However, it is important to understand how pets can adversely impact indoor air quality (IAQ). Let’s discuss the ways your pets affect the quality of the conditioned air circulating inside your home.

Dander

Cats and dogs, with their cuddly fur, tend to shed tiny skin particles called dander, especially in winter when the heat is on. Dander is a common allergen that becomes airborne when the heated or cooled air circulates throughout the house. Routine HVAC maintenance, including filter replacement, can help reduce coughing and sneezing associated with a pet dander allergy.

Droppings and Urine

Unless you are diligent about emptying the litter box or taking the dog outside for walks, chances are good that you may experience odors and bacteria from pet droppings and urine. Ammonia-like odors are mostly unpleasant, but airborne particles of urine and bacteria from feces are a health hazard. These particles are best captured by clean HVAC filters and home air purification systems installed by a qualified HVAC company.

Fur

Pets shed their fur, with certain breeds doing this more than others. The fur can be everywhere, including the floor, furnishings, clothing and in the air. Pet fur is a known irritant for many people when breathed in, causing respiratory distress and poor indoor air quality.

Product Chemicals

Pet powders, sprays and cleaning products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas and negatively impact IAQ. Unless you are using all-natural pet grooming products and solutions for cleaning up accidents, you will have unhealthy particles circulating within the air of your home.

Our lovable pets are often the source of poor indoor air quality in our homes in Crawfordville, FL. If the IAQ inside your home concerns you, contact Advanced Air Care Heating and Cooling, LLC for testing and solution-based services.

Image provided by iStock