Does your indoor air quality and pets affect someone in your family with allergies? If you’re like many pet owners, you view your animal companion as part of the family.  At Affordable Service Plumbing and Heating, we often hear from our customers asking about keeping the air free of allergens. If you own a pet and have noticed symptoms of allergies in your family, it might be time to change your air filter, or consider getting your air ducts cleaned.

Negative health effects from poor indoor air include dizziness, headaches and fatigue as well as irritation in the throat, nose and eyes. Individuals suffering from breathing disorders such as asthma may find their symptoms worsening because of bad air quality indoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Maintaining good indoor air quality is of paramount importance if someone in your home has allergies, and especially if anyone in your home is elderly or has a chronic ailment.

The team at Affordable Service Plumbing and Heating recommends that homeowners with dogs or cats regularly change their air filters, to minimize canine and feline allergens (along with dust mite allergens, bacteria, viruses and mold spores). You can reduce these contaminants by using air filters that have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of 7 to 13, according to the EPA. It’s a good idea to check your air filters once a month if you have pets.

You can still enjoy the company of your furry friends, while protecting the health of your loved ones. The licensed technicians at Affordable Service Plumbing and Heating are standing by to answer your questions and help you. We can help you maintain your HVAC system, or help you clean your air ducts to ensure better indoor air quality. For more details, or to make an appointment for service in Bernalillo, Rio Rancho and the greater Albuquerque metro area, please contact us today.