The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that between 15% and 30% of the population has an allergy to common household pets. Cat allergies are almost twice as frequent as dog allergies, while dog allergies tend to cause more severe symptoms. Fortunately, just because a person has allergies doesn’t mean they can’t have pets. Air purifiers play a large role in helping people with pet allergies reside in the same home with their furry friends.
What Are Pet Allergies?
Allergies to pets usually develop when the immune system inappropriately responds to proteins in the skin cells, urine, or saliva of an animal. Pet allergies can cause a long list of potential health concerns, including the following:
- Respiratory problems
- Asthma exacerbation
- Skin reactions
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Chronic sinusitis
- Reduced quality of life
- Emotional impact
How Air Purifiers Work
There are many types of air purifiers for homeowners to choose from that can remove contaminants and pollutants from the air, including pet dander and other allergens that trigger pet allergies. These air purifiers typically use a variety of technologies to clean the air:
- Filtration
- Ionic purification
- Ozone generation
- Photocatalytic oxidation
- UV germicidal irradiation
- Electrostatic precipitation
Why Do Air Purifiers Help With Pet Allergies?
Because they remove allergens from the air, air purifiers are useful for those with pet allergies. Most air purifiers come fitted with HEPA filters, which are particularly efficient at capturing microscopic particles like pet hair, pollen, and other allergens. This eliminates the possibility of inhaling these particles as they float through the air. Some air purifiers include activated carbon filters that can absorb toxins and scents, making them especially ideal for homes with pets.
Ionic purifiers emit negatively charged ions that connect to positively charged particles, forcing them to fall to the ground. This process cleans the air of allergens. Some air purifiers use ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation to destroy bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, therefore decreasing allergy sources. Ultimately, by continually filtering the air, purifiers minimize the concentration of airborne pet allergens, reducing the severity of allergy responses in those who are particularly susceptible.
What Are the Additional Advantages of Air Purifiers
Air purifiers do so much more than help reduce allergy symptoms. When employed strategically, an air purifier can even be used to reduce your monthly HVAC expenses. Let’s take a look at the other advantages of air purifiers for your home.
Improve Respiratory Health
Those with allergies aren’t the only ones who suffer from poor indoor air quality. People with asthma and other respiratory issues are extremely likely to notice worsening symptoms when they breathe dirty air. Air purifiers reduce respiratory symptoms by cleaning the air and improving lung function.
Odor Removal
Activated carbon filters in air purifiers are very porous and can absorb many different odor compounds. As air goes through the filter, the charcoal catches and neutralizes aromas from pets, cooking, smoking, and other sources. This results in a cleaner and more pleasurable interior environment, making the house a better place to spend time for everyone who lives there and visits.
Better Airflow
Household air purifiers eliminate dust and other particles that clog air filters and reduce ventilation efficiency. As a result, the HVAC system benefits from optimal airflow. Saving energy and money on HVAC costs is a direct result of increased efficiency since the system doesn’t have to work as hard to heat and cool your home.
Spread Fewer Airborne Diseases
HEPA-filtered and UV-based germicidal air purifiers are a great investment for households concerned about the spread of airborne diseases. They remove germs from the air by capturing and killing pathogenic microorganisms. This helps maintain a less hazardous and more sanitary indoor environment by decreasing the spread of disease.
Improve Quality of Life
Overall, installing an air purifier creates a healthier indoor environment for everyone in the home. By reducing airborne contaminants, the purifiers contribute to cleaner air, promote better sleep, help you concentrate better, and enhance your quality of life.
Are you interested in learning more about using air purifiers to help with pet allergies? Here at Climate Control, we offer all sorts of indoor air quality services, including duct cleaning, ductless systems, air quality testing, and a full line of HVAC services. We also help Portland homeowners with water heater maintenance and installation. Give us a call today to speak with a licensed technician about improving your home’s indoor air quality.
