Many people have pets and would never be parted from their furry friends, but they do introduce a problem into our homes. We’re talking about pet dander; this mix of materials includes fur, hair, and skin, can settle around the home and can be difficult to clean. Large deposits of pet dander can be cleaned, but it’s the dander we can’t see that can cause an allergic reaction when breathed in. One way to get rid of this problem in your home is to use an air cleaner, let’s take a closer look at how it works.

The Source of the Problem:

As we’ve seen, fur and larger deposits of dander can be vacuumed up easily and disposed of. It’s the hidden pet dander that is the main source of pet allergies in many pet owners homes. The HVAC system in your home is used to deliver treated air to improve your level of indoor comfort. This is facilitated by the flow of air through the home, and it can also deliver minute quantities of pet dander. The pet dander enters the system; it can become trapped there and then delivered back into the home by your HVAC system.

Using Air Filtration and Cleaners:

Every modern HVAC system is installed with an air filter that can catch pet dander and hair. This will then prevent the trapped material from traveling into the HVAC system. The air filter can only work effectively if it’s cleaned or changed regularly. Heating experts recommend that an air filter is changed monthly, but if you have pets, it may be necessary to change it more often. A good choice is a high density air filter that can trap the maximum amount of contaminants possible. Always ensure that the air filter fits your system correctly, a poorly fitted or wrong size of air filter is useless. Some people, fit an electronic air filter, this ionizes the air particles and forces them to adhere to a collection surface that can be cleaned.

Ultraviolet (UV) Air Cleaners:

In recent years we have seen UV cleaners that were previously only used in laboratories and hospitals available for the domestic market. A UV air cleaner is an excellent way to clean your air of contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses and flea eggs that could follow your pet into your home. The UV light works by sterilizing and killing these airborne health threats as they pass through your ducts. This makes the air safer for your family and any pets in your home. One area where UV cleaners are less effective is dealing with pet dander issues. Any contaminants contained in the pet dander will be sterilized, but the main problem with pet dander is its capability to cause irritation due to its physical properties.

Hopefully, you now understand the importance of using a correctly sized air filter to deal with pet dander issues. A UV air filter is a great addition for allergy sufferers, but it’s best used with a good air filter to deal with any pet dander problems. If you have any remaining problems, get in touch with your local HVAC specialist for more information.