Having a pet in your house gives you a wonderful experience. But, do you know that pet owners pay extra attention to indoor air quality? Pet hair and dander may pollute the air and accumulate on the surfaces. These contaminants can also get into the ductwork of your HVAC systems. Pet hair and dander control is important for preventing asthma and allergies. However, the most important step is to clean the air ducts regularly. You can consider pet-friendly air duct cleaning solutions and keep your indoor air fresh. Proair duct cleaning equipment makes it easy to remove the dander or pet hair.
Common Indoor Air Contaminants from Pets
Pet owners should be aware of the common contaminants from their furry companions.
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Pet Hair and Dander- Pet dander and hair linger in your indoor air for a longer period. These microscopic particles stick to the fabrics, bedding, and furnishings. These biological contaminants will degrade your indoor air quality.
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Odors and Allergens- Pet dander is the main source of bad odor and allergens, which are microscopic and not visible to your eyes. For instance, the saliva of your feline pets contains allergens. Pet dander removal is highly important for clean air.
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Health Concerns- Cats, dogs, and other creatures carry bacterial infections that cause fever, diarrhea, and belly pain.
Benefits of Clean Air Ducts in Pet-Friendly Homes
Clean air vents for pet households benefit you in different ways
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Improved Indoor Air Quality- If your indoor air has dust and pet dander, your HVAC system will pull them into its unit. Thus, to maintain good indoor air quality, you need to clean the ducts.
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Allergy and Asthma Relief- Professional duct cleaning services help you avoid the effects of pollutants. The presence of contaminants may cause sneezing, asthma, and other disease. So, protect everyone’s health with HVAC maintenance for pet-friendly homes.
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Extended HVAC System Life- If there is dirt, your HVAC needs more effort to circulate the cool air. You can make it long-lasting and efficient by removing the dander and dirt.
Signs That Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning
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You can consider cleaning your air ducts, when you find some signs like-
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Increased Allergy Symptoms- If your family members frequently suffer from allergies, you should remove airborne pet allergens.
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Unpleasant Odors- Your air ducts may become smelly due to the growth of molds and vermin.
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Reduced Airflow- Buildup contaminants in your air ducts cause blockages and prevent the smooth airflow.
If you have noticed these signs, you should consider dust and debris removal from your air ducts.
DIY vs. Professional Air Duct Cleaning
Pros and Cons of DIY Cleaning
DIY cleaning saves you money, as you do not need to pay professionals.
But, there are some demerits of DIY cleaning-
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Risk of damage to the vent system if you use the wrong tools
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Faulty tools can cause holes in the ductwork.
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Household vacuums are not effective for air duct cleaning.
Benefits of Professional Cleaning
ü Professionals know the right technique for residential air duct sanitization.
ü You will get the best home air cleaning solutions.
ü Professionals use pet-friendly cleaning products that are safe for everyone.
When to Consider Each Option
If there are only a few contaminants in the air duct due to regular cleaning, you can consider DIY solutions. But, professionals not only clean the ducts but also find other issues, such as leaks and unsealed grills.
The Air Duct Cleaning Process
A pet-safe air duct cleaning process involves different steps-
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Inspection and Assessment- Professionals will clean the ducts only after a thorough inspection. They even use cameras to check the buildup.
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Cleaning Methods and Equipment- With compressed air tools and rotating brushes, the cleaners will loosen the dust. They will clean the ducts and other adjacent components.
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Deodorizing and Sanitizing- Deodorizers remove bad odor from the ductwork, while sanitization kills microorganisms.
Preparing Your Home and Pets for Air Duct Cleaning
It is essential to take precautionary measures for air duct cleaning.
Safety Measures
You can take your pets out of your home before cleaning air ducts. You may ask your professionals whether the cleaning products are safe for your kids.
Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products
UV air purification for pets is safe and effective for removing bacteria and viruses. There are other eco-friendly products to make an allergy-free home for pet owners.
Temporary Relocation
You and your family, including your pet can relocate to a different place temporarily when the cleaners clean your ducts.
Maintaining Clean Air Ducts in Pet-Friendly Homes
Regular Cleaning Schedule– To maintain Pet-friendly home air quality, you should clean your air ducts every 3 to 5 years.
Tips for Pet Owners
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Keep your furry friends well-groomed.
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Your home should be free from pet hair as much as possible.
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Protect your AC by placing some fencing around it.
Filters and HVAC Maintenance
Replacing the air filters is important for maintaining your HVAC units.
Choosing the Right Air Duct Cleaning Service
If you want to hire air duct cleaners, you should consider some steps.
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Research and Recommendations– You may look for referrals and do research to find the best air duct cleaners.
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Questions to Ask Service Providers– You can ask your cleaners about their experiences and skills in cleaning ducts. It is also essential to learn about their cleaning processes.
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Pricing and Estimates– Every professional has different charges for air duct and ventilation system cleaning. Get an estimate before hiring the team.