Pets hold a special place in our hearts and homes and very easily become a part of the family.
Nevertheless, pets also require a lot of work and taking care of them is a responsibility, especially in the spring when shedding levels and outside allergens are at their worst.
With this in mind, we at Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling suggest pet owners making spring cleaning a priority this season! We put together a list of things that homeowners can look out for, as well as some cleaning tips below.
How Bad Is My Home’s Air Quality?
There are three major things that are good indicators of how bad the air quality is in a home:
Your Pets
Unlike humans, cats and dogs won’t sneeze or cough much when they experience allergies to pollen. Instead, they’ll bite, lick and scratch themselves excessively. This is because pollen falls on their fur, ears and the pads on their paws. The pollen is then absorbed into the skin through those areas. Dogs and cats struggling with allergies will try to soothe themselves by licking, chewing and scratching the areas that are affected. Too much of this can result in hair loss, scabbing and ear infections. Any of these symptoms mean that it’s time to make cleaning a priority.
Family Members
If anyone in your home has trouble breathing — coughing, frequent sneezing or chronic runny nose — then you know that your home’s air quality is subpar. Dry skin is another air quality issue in the winter, and during the spring the presence of allergens are more prevalent.
Your HVAC System Air Filter
Finally, if you’ve noticed that your HVAC system’s air filter has been getting dirtier faster than usual, or if you’re having to replace it more often than normal, you might want to consider some indoor air quality solutions we offer or attempt to make a more thorough cleaning of your entire home.
Cleaning Time!
These problems can easily be fixed by cleaning your home in the spring. We suggest that you dust, vacuum, and invest in grooming, bathing, and brushing your pets. While many families vacuum first, we suggest that you save it for last to make sure that you pick up any missed dust particles. In any case, if you haven’t cleaned your air vents in a while, then it’s a good idea to vacuum those out this springtime as well. All of these things will add up and result in a much cleaner home and a healthier, happier family (and pets)!
Questions Not Answered?
If you’re looking for more tips, or if you’d like to talk with a certified professional about keeping your home’s air quality healthy this spring, call Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling today at 513-540-1716, or click here to schedule an appointment now!