If you have a dog or cat, you know all about summer shedding. Just as the days start getting longer, you start finding globs of hair everywhere in your Maryland or Virginia home. The fur itself can harbor common allergens like dust or pollen, but the dander itself is an allergen for many people. Even more troubling is the fact that these allergens can stay in the air for several months. The more well-sealed your home, the longer dander is an issue.
It affects your indoor air quality or IAQ — but it doesn’t have to. Here are some cost-effective ways to keep your pet’s shedding from affecting your home’s IAQ.
Groom Your Pet
Bathing and brushing your pet often will help remove dander from your pet and neutralize the allergens. It can also cut the amount of dust, dirt, and pet hair in your home. All it takes is some pet shampoo or a good brush and a few minutes of your time. Whenever possible, groom your pet outside. This will prevent the dander from spreading through your home.
Clean Regularly
Because you can’t always see pet dander, it can be hard to know when you need to clean. Rather than leave it to guess work, make it a habit to wipe down surfaces (including counters and walls) and mop floors at least once a week. Even if there is very little there to actually clean, dust and dander are building up and affecting your home’s IAQ every time you walk in a room.
Hire a Pro
If you are concerned about air quality but also trying to save money, it may be difficult to make the decision to hire a pro, but you really should. The money you will save on allergy medicine, cold remedies, and tissues would practically make up for the extra cost, and your whole family will be much more comfortable. HVAC professionals can clean your ducts, as well as talk to you about using different filters or upgrading your system to include other IAQ features, like UV filters.
To further discuss improving your home’s IAQ, check out Griffith Energy Services at 888-474-3391.
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