Most American households have at least one pet. Even though our furry companions bring a great deal of love and joy into the home, they also bring a great deal of fur and dander. If your family owns a dog or a cat, it is crucial to keep your home free of allergens that can cause sneezing and coughing.
Take a look at these air filters for sale and choose the ideal one for you, your family, and your pets. Good indoor air quality is essential for all individuals, particularly those with asthma and allergies. It is advisable to replace the air filters in your home so that you can breathe clean, fresh air.
You can’t stop your pet from shedding fur, but you can reduce its impact on indoor air quality. The first step in ensuring your home is as fur- and allergen-free as possible is to install a quality air filter. As much as we adore our cats and dogs, they can reduce indoor air quality. In addition to the foul scents, all the pet hair and dander in the air can be unbearable for allergy sufferers.
An Overview: Air Filters for Pets
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters will produce the greatest results. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these filters can capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Change Your Air Filter Frequently
You’re probably accustomed to vacuuming and sweeping up pet hair. It’s just one of the many responsibilities of owning a pet. Even though sweeping and vacuuming will reduce the amount of pet hair in your home, it will not completely solve your problem.
Air filters in your air conditioning unit remove particles such as dust and pet dander from the air in your home. But air filters must be replaced regularly to work efficiently. Different types of filters have different lifespans, which are printed on the packaging by the manufacturer.
Homes with a lot of furry pets, on the other hand, may need to change their filters more frequently than the manufacturer recommends. Even pet hair-specific air filters can become clogged with debris quickly if you have a house full of pets.
Of course, long-haired cats and dogs shed more frequently, so homes with these animals may need to change their air filters more frequently than those with only one short-haired animal. Make it a habit to check your air filter every few weeks to see if it needs to be replaced. If it is clogged, you may need to replace it more frequently than the manufacturer recommends.
Choosing the Right Air Filter
Air filters come in a variety of sizes, forms, and functionalities. Obviously, you’ll need to purchase an air filter that suits your air conditioning equipment, but what other options are available?
Cheap air filters: The least expensive option available is a disposable air filter with a low MERV rating. However, if you have pets, this alternative could be quite expensive. An inexpensive air filter may have a low initial cost, but if it has to be replaced weekly, it will not be cost-effective in the long run.
HEPA air filters: These filters are specifically developed for pet owners. The amazing thing about these filters is that they absorb microscopic particles such as bacteria, mildew, and pollutants. These disposable and occasionally reusable, washable filters are an excellent solution for pet owners on a budget. For most pet owners, disposable HEPA filters in the middle price range are an excellent option.
Electronic air filters: Electronic air filters employ static electricity to draw other particles, including pet hair, to them. These air filters are quite efficient, but they can be expensive. Be aware that these filters may not be a good choice for persons with allergies or respiratory issues because they aren’t very effective at filtering out other pollutants and microorganisms.
Finally, don’t be misled by the MERV rating. Higher isn’t always preferable. While a higher MERV rating means more filtering, it also means your air conditioner has to work harder to do its job, resulting in more energy consumption and higher utility bills. What’s more, using a MERV rating that’s too high for your system adds unnecessary strain.