Pet Allergies? Why Regular AC Maintenance is Your Secret Weapon
How AC Maintenance Protects Both Your Allergies and Your Furry Friends
Western societies have a greater love for pets than most of the modern world; we even allow pets to live inside with us. They feel like family members and can be so expressive. Dogs and some cats can be lovable, faithful, and always ready to greet family members after separation.
Between 65% and 70% of American homes are also homes to a dog or a cat, totaling at least 94 million dogs and cats. Pet allergies are also the third leading allergy for Americans. That means 15% to 23% of pet owners also have pet allergies.
If you have pet allergies, but just cannot do without your furry family member, consider partnering with your heating and cooling system to reduce the number of airborne allergens. Consider these AC maintenance steps.
7 Essential AC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners with Allergies
1 Clean as Often as Necessary
Every time you dust, vacuum, and mop, you are forever removing the accumulation of pet hair and flakes of skin from surfaces. Clean bedding and any furniture that the pet commonly lies on. The protein that causes allergies also exists in saliva, urine, and feces, so carefully make a regular clean sweep. How often? That might depend on the breed of your pet.
2 Groom Your Pet Regularly
Bathing dogs regularly and keeping fur trim will reduce the volume of hair and dander. Cats generally groom themselves and do not appreciate bathing in water. Whatever your breed of animal requires, do not skip the grooming appointments.
3 Change Your Air Filter as Often as Needed
The normal schedule for air filter changes is quarterly, once every three months. Homeowners are encouraged to schedule reminders to prompt timely air filter changes. If you have a pet and an allergy to your pet, consider more frequent filter changes, perhaps as often as a monthly replacement. Air filters collect pet hair and dander. Replacing the filter reduces the allergens in the air each time it is changed.
4 Prevent Male Dogs From “Using” the Condenser Unit
Male dogs are not particular about what object they choose for urination, so a condenser unit is as good as a tree. However, urine is very corrosive and can damage the network of tubes in the condenser.
5 Dogs and Cats are Very Adaptable When It Comes to Temperature Variations
A common approach to cost savings is to reduce heating and cooling needs by making changes to the thermostat while the family is away. The temperature setting can be reduced by 10 degrees during the heating season and raised by 10 degrees during the cooling season. This reduces the number of heating and cooling cycles needed while no humans are home. Pets can readily adapt to such temperature changes, as long as water is available, especially during the cooling season.
6 If Allergies are Particularly Severe, Consider an Air Purifier
Purifiers are available in various sizes, from room-sized to whole-house versions. Air purifiers have multiple filtration components, including a charcoal filter to remove odors and gases. Room-sized purifiers can be placed in a bedroom for the person with severe allergies or near the dog/cat’s bedding.
7 Make Sure to Maintain Your System for Everyone’s Safety
AC maintenance is the best way to keep a heating and cooling system working efficiently and keep it running as long as possible. Should the air conditioner or furnace fail to work, family members can escape the heat or cold by going to work, school, or shopping. Dogs and cats do not necessarily have this option. While they can adapt to slight temperature changes, staying in extremely hot or cold conditions is not healthy. Routine AC maintenance is a way to keep your home’s cooling and heating system working efficiently and providing the best indoor air quality possible.
Schedule Your AC Maintenance with AllCool AC Today!
Don’t let pet dander and seasonal allergies compromise the comfort and health of your household. Booking a professional AC maintenance appointment is the best way to ensure your HVAC system is filtering out harmful allergens while running at peak efficiency. Call All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 today to protect your furry family members and keep your home’s air clean, safe, and perfectly chilled all year long!