Animal fur is not the leading cause of your allergies; it is the tiny flakes of dead skin we call pet dander. You can manage your allergies and pet dander in many different ways. Filters Fast is an air and water filtration company, so we know these issues come up frequently. This is why we want to examine pet allergies and offer suggestions to help manage any discomfort.
- Pet allergies are caused by pet dander, tiny flakes of dead skin, not fur.
- Use HVAC air filters rated MERV 11-13 for effective pet dander removal.
- Change air filters every three months or monthly if you have pets and visible hair.
- Air purifiers with true HEPA filters and activated carbon reduce dander and odors.
- Choose air purifiers based on room size and allergy severity for best results.
Why Do We Have Pet Allergies?
The cause of allergies remains a debated topic. Studies have shown that bodies release antibodies to attack foreign substances. This suggests that while our immune system has made our bodies more resilient against many unique threats. But it has also made us hypersensitive to particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Regarding allergic reactions, we expect the usual symptoms of an itchy throat, difficulty breathing, and watery eyes. However, for some people, exposure to pet allergens can trigger severe asthma symptoms. It’s so bad, in fact, that you might have to avoid some people’s homes entirely, carry an inhaler, or regularly visit your doctor for allergy shots.
Still, with the unconditional love our pets give us, it’s easy to make accommodations. This, like cleaning more frequently and taking the appropriate medication, can help. Here are some ways to reduce pet dander, dust, pollen, and other allergy-causing particles in your home.
What Options Do You Have To Combat Pet Allergies With Filtration?
For pet dander, there are a few home filtration options that can help combat it. The first one we want you to get in the habit of thinking about is your air conditioning system.
Your HVAC system circulates the air in your home. Air filters are your first line of defense against airborne allergens in your home. Neglecting to change your filter can trigger allergy symptoms.
How Do Air Filters Work?
Every filter has a dirt-holding capacity, which is the number of airborne contaminants the filter media can trap before airflow becomes restricted. When this happens, you run your air conditioning systems longer to change the room temperature a few degrees. So, your bills go up, and your expensive air conditioning system wears out faster.
How Do Air Filters Work?
Air filters are made of tightly packed synthetic fibers designed to capture particles. Air filters are usually located wherever air is pulled into your HVAC system. This means that they can be in a wall behind a return air grille or within the air conditioning or furnace system.
The role of an air filter is to help protect your heating and cooling system from particles that can clog it. It also helps improve your indoor air quality.
Every filter has a dirt-holding capacity. This is how many airborne particles the filter can trap before airflow is restricted. Restricted airflow will cause your air conditioning system to take longer to change the room temperature by a few degrees. So, your bills go up, and your expensive HVAC system wears out faster.
As the chart above shows, the higher the rating, the more particles are captured. This is due to the filter media having fewer air gaps. We do not recommend going below MERV 8 or above MERV 13 for residential applications.
On our chart, pet dander falls between MERV 11 and 13. You will notice that MERV 8 filters tend to be cheaper than higher-rated filters because they aren’t as efficient. If your allergies are less severe or you don’t have cats or dogs living in your home, then a MERV 8 filter might meet your needs. However, you should be mindful that friends and family might thank you for choosing a MERV 11 filter so they can breathe a little easier.
We urge you to check your air filter if you haven’t done so in the past three months. Use our guide to sizing air filters, then pick up a filter replacement from Filters Fast.
How often should you change your air filter to combat pet dander?
You should check your filter at least every three months. If you have pets in your home and still find clumps of animal hair despite regular cleanings, check your air filters monthly.
Using Air Purifiers To Combat Pet Dander
If you don’t have central air but want the best air quality, an air purifier can be a great investment. Air purifiers help clean the air in a space.
When shopping for an air purifier, look for one that uses a true HEPA filter. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. The use of the word “true” means that the filter is manufactured, tested, and certified in accordance with current standards. HEPA filters must then capture 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles in the air, including dander, mold spores, and pollen.
Odors are also something you often have to deal with if you live with one or more pets. An air purifier with an activated carbon filter will help reduce pet odors.
Keep in mind that air purifiers come in a wide range of capacities. This means you’ll want to consider the room size where you’ll use the air purifier most. Some models are made for small bedrooms or offices. Others work better in open spaces, such as living rooms that connect to hallways and kitchens.
You should decide how much you will spend and how allergies affect you throughout the day.
Best Air Purifiers for Pet Allergies
The Greentech PureHEPA+ Air Purifier with ODOGuard® offers pet owners excellent air and odor protection.
The Honeywell QuietClean Tower Air Purifier is great for small rooms.
The Hunter Cylindrical Tower Air Purifier is perfect for those who need extra protection.
If allergies are only a problem at night, consider buying a smaller purifier in your bedroom. It is safe to say that the bigger the purifier, the more you will pay. That also means it is designed to move and scrub more air of allergy-causing contaminants.
Shop Air Purifiers for Pet Owners
Pets add so much to our lives, but sometimes they can impact our health. Thankfully, filtration is a tool that you can use to keep your home comfortable for your pets and your family. Let us help you find the right solutions for your home. You can reach Filters Fast Customer Service at 866-438-3458 or [email protected].
For more information about how filtration can help you as a pet owner, please check out the following:
- The One Thing Pet Owners Should Know
- Gift Suggestions For Pet and Aquarium Lovers
- Protect Your Pet With Filtered Water
Katie says
Hi Fantasys,
Thank you for reaching out to us. The CADR is shown for most air purifiers on our site. If you will confirm the air purifier model you are referring to we would be happy to research that for you.
Katie says
Everettblert,
Thanks for sharing this information.
Kory says
Hello Cheryl, we suggest that you use a MERV 11 filter to help remove the dander and allergies! I use that rating in my home and I have two dogs.
Thank you,
Cheryl says
Have 2 cats that I am allergic to, but just found out…….so, need filter that will help me clean the dander and allergies out of the air.
Kory says
Hi Kim,
Thank you for sharing this with us! How big is your home that needs to be filtered? I would also suggested getting an allergy friendly air filter for your HVAC/Furnace system.
Kim kirby says
Help! Just found out I’m severely asthmatic to my 2 dogs and Persian cat. They are like my kids my pulmonolgist has suggested strongly that I need to find them new homes. I am getting a monthly injection of xoliar at the hospital. I’m hoping for a resolution (a happy one…❤️) need to know what the best air purifier is???!!
Frank says
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Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve added you guys to my
own blogroll.