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What is Pet Dander?

what is pet dander? Picture of a dog.
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Pet allergies are pretty common. The allergic reaction is typically caused by proteins found in the animal’s shed skin called dander. Any animal with fur can shed dander, even humans, but what is pet dander exactly? It is a microscopic shed skin cell, and is jagged in shape which makes it easy for those shed cells to become airborne. This is a big problem for those with allergies, as that ability to become airborne makes the dander linger in the air. The jagged edges make it cling to all sorts of things: fabrics, walls, carpets, furniture. And when it gets into your duct work, it can get transported all over your home. Typically, up to five or seven times a day, that same pet dander will be spread around your house. If you or someone you love suffers from allergies, the dog or cat dander can result in itching, watery eyes, breathing issues, sneezing, congestions, and even rashes.

How to Fight Pet Dander in Your Home

It’s hard to keep up with cleaning when all of that is stacked against you. Cleaning curtains, vacuuming carpets, dusting surfaces, and even decluttering can help because it’s likes to stick to most surfaces. Making sure to keep up with your furnace’s regular filter changes will help as well. Filters used a rating called a MERV,(Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values). The best MERV rating to trap and control it would be MERV 11. Another excellent way to get rid of it in your home is to get your air ducts cleaned! Whether it’s a routine cleaning to help someone who lives in the home, or if it’s an occasional cleaning to help with a guest who will be visiting, getting your air ducts cleaned is an excellent way to keep the pet dander to an all time low.

What is Pet Dander Likely To Do If You Don’t Clean Specific Parts of Your HVAC?


A thorough cleaning of your air ducts will remove most, if not all, of the traces of pet dander that are being circulated throughout the system. It is also a good idea to clean your furnace as well. Dust and pet dander can accumulate in the interior of the fan and on the evaporator coil. If you don’t clean those parts at the same time as the duct cleaning, it’s highly likely that the old pet dander will just continue to spread around your home. 

Here at Bee’s Air Duct Cleaning, we use the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) 2021 standard to get your air ducts and furnaces clean! The specific method we use is called “source removal or negative pressure removal.” This means that we’ll be able to get all of that dust, debris and pet dander flushed out of your air ducts by keeping the ducts under negative pressure and pushing everything towards a HEPA vacuum we’ve attached to the truck line of your system. We’ll then remove the blow motor from your furnace so that we can thoroughly clean it, as well as the evaporator coil! Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to get your system all cleaned up for you.

If you would like more information about pet dander in your HVAC system please visit the NADCA website. Be sure to contact us so we can help you mitigate the problem of pet dander in your home.

If you’re a pet owner, then you know how much joy and love they bring into your life. However, with that joy comes the task of keeping your home clean and free of pet dander. Pet dander is made up of tiny, microscopic flakes of skin shed by your furry friend. While it’s not harmful to most people, those who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues may experience discomfort. One way to combat this problem is by investing in air duct cleaning services. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of air duct cleaning for pet dander and why it’s important for the health and well-being of you and your pets.

What is Air Duct Cleaning?

Air duct cleaning is the process of removing dust, debris, and other contaminants from the air ducts in your home. The process involves the use of specialized equipment, such as vacuums and brushes, to dislodge and remove the buildup of dirt and other pollutants. This process is essential in ensuring that the air in your home is clean and healthy to breathe.

As pet owners, we all love our furry friends, but we also know that keeping a clean home can be a challenge, especially when it comes to pet dander. Pet dander consists of tiny flakes of skin that our pets shed, which can trigger allergies or respiratory issues for some people. Fortunately, there is a solution that can help keep our homes clean and healthy for both us and our pets – air duct cleaning services.

In a nutshell, air duct cleaning involves removing the build-up of dust, debris, and other pollutants from the air ducts in your home. This process helps ensure that the air in your home is clean and healthy to breathe.

So, what are the benefits of air duct cleaning for pet dander? Let’s take a closer look:

It Reduces Allergies and Respiratory Issues

Pet dander can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues, such as asthma. When pet dander accumulates in your home’s air ducts, it can circulate throughout the house, making it difficult to breathe. Air duct cleaning can remove these particles from your air ducts, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions and respiratory issues.

It Improves Indoor Air Quality

Air duct cleaning removes the build-up of dust and other contaminants, resulting in cleaner, fresher air. This is especially important if you or someone in your household suffers from allergies or respiratory issues. Clean air ducts mean less dust, less pet dander, and less chance of other pollutants circulating in your home’s air.

It Enhances HVAC Efficiency

When your air ducts are clogged with pet dander and other pollutants, it makes it harder for your HVAC system to function properly. This can lead to higher energy bills and less efficient heating and cooling. By cleaning your air ducts, your HVAC system will work more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills.

It Extends the Life of Your HVAC System

Air duct cleaning can extend the life of your HVAC system by removing the build-up of pet dander and other pollutants that can damage your system. When your HVAC system is clogged with debris, it has to work harder to cool or heat your home. This can lead to wear and tear on the system, shortening its lifespan.

It Reduces Pet Odors

Pet dander can cause unpleasant pet odors in your home. Air duct cleaning can help eliminate these odors by removing the source of the problem – the pet dander itself. This means a cleaner, fresher-smelling home for you and your pets.

In conclusion, air duct cleaning is a must for pet owners. With better air quality in your home you will breathe better and it can reduce the chances of respiratory issues and allergic reactions, keeping you healthy and comfortable. Additionally, air duct cleaning can help your HVAC system function more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills and extending the life of your system. By investing in air duct cleaning services, you can create a healthier, happier home for you and your furry friends.
what is pet dander? Picture of a dog.

Cited Sources:

Dealing with Pet Dander | National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)

Pet Dander | American Lung Association

Allergies to Dogs – Cats – Pets

What is a MERV rating? | US EPA

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