How HVAC Can Help Reduce Pet Dander Allergies

At Moore Home Services, our pets are more than just animals, they’re family. We know you would do anything for your family, but what if you, or someone in your home, is allergic to said family member? An allergy to pet dander does not mean the end of pet ownership. For mild reactions, there are things you can do to help reduce any reactions. HVAC can help reduce pet dander allergies.

What is an Allergic Reaction to Pet Dander?

To put it plainly, an allergic reaction is your immune system overreacting to a perceived threat or danger. When an allergy sufferer comes in contact with something that triggers said allergy, it triggers a fight response. During this fight response, the immune system will release antibodies to stop the invading particle in its tracks. As a response to the antibodies, your cells will release a histamine. Oftentimes, this histamine will cause the blood vessels to expand and prompt an allergic reaction. If you have an allergy to pet dander it means your immune system is sensitive to the skin shed by dogs and cats. It’s easy to see why most people think dander comes from animal hair and shedding. In reality, pet dander is caused by shedding skin. Just as humans shed skin, so do your fury family members. Just know that pet hair can trap dander and spread the allergies through your home. However, fur itself does not cause an allergic reaction.

What Symptoms Should I Watch for?

One of the most frustrating things is that allergies can present very differently from person to person. It all depends on your immune system and the severity of the reaction. In some people, pet dander can cause red, itchy eyes and a swollen throat. Other people may only experience slight congestion. Some allergy symptoms to watch for include:

• Asthma attacks
• Sneezing or coughing
• Itchy, red, watery, or irritated eyes
• Runny nose
• Itchy throat or roof of the mouth
• Postnasal drip
• Fatigue
• Facial pressure or pain

Can I Do Anything About Pet Dander?

The good news is that there are things you can do to minimize pet dander allergies in your home. The most important thing is to set a cleaning schedule and make sure everyone in your household adheres to it. Start by vacuuming and dusting every day. While you’re doing a daily sweep, make sure there are no hair clumps or dust bunnies lurking under furniture, on baseboards, or in the corners of your home. These are all prime real estate for pet dander. When the time comes for new flooring, opt for low-pile carpets. Another important piece of advice is to keep your pets out of the bedroom. The room where you sleep and spend most of your resting time should be completely free of pet dander. Allergies can also disrupt sleeping patterns. Even if the pets are kept out, wash the bedding every week to make sure no stray dander makes it in.

How Can HVAC Help?

Something we talk about a lot is the importance of home air filters. While they may seem small, air filters play two key roles in your HVAC system. Air filters protect your HVAC system and your home. Depending on the size and material of an air filter, it can trap small particles, allergens, pollution from smog, and even cooking smells. Some can even catch pet dander. If you want the ultimate in clean air, we recommend a strong air filter paired with an air scrubber. This little device is an add on to your existing HVAC system and harnesses the power of UV light technology to “zap” contaminated particles, making your HVAC treated air as healthy and clean as possible. And finally, the most important thing you do can do to keep pet dander at bay is to schedule regular maintenance for your entire HVAC system. We recommend a furnace tune-up when the weather starts to drop and an AC tune-up when it starts to feel warm again. During each of these tune-ups, an expert HVAC technician will inspect and clean every part of your system. Ensuring everything is in working order and as clean as can be.

Want to How HVAC Can Reduce Pet Dander Allergies? Call the Experts at Moore Home Services

At Moore Home Services, we want you have a harmonious life with your pet. This is why we give our HVAC technicians special training, so they learn the newest and most innovative products in the heating and cooling realm. They also understand that your home is as unique as you are. There is no “one size fits all” solution. To meet your expert, schedule an appointment today. Dial the number at the top of the screen or click here to book an appointment online. We serve our Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and North Bay communities.