Is Your HVAC System Doing More Harm Than Good? 5 Potential Problems and How You Can Keep Your HVAC System Healthy for Your Entire Household

Your HVAC system is vital to keeping your home comfortable, but it can also be working against your and your cat’s health. Poorly maintained HVACs are one of the leading causes of some potentially serious problems for you and your household – including any pets.

Portrait of a ginger cat in a medical face mask
Photo credit Deposit Photos.

Dust

Dust on someones finger.
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Dust is one of the most common substances to get caught in an HVAC system, and it can carry a wide range of compounds that can cause health problems.

Pet Dander

Proud British cat lying on the bed and looking up. British shorthair breed Peaceful Photo credit Deposit Photos.
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Pet dander is another common issue – dogs and cats that shed their fur will have hairs floating in the air, which can get into an HVAC system and sit for long periods.

Pollen

A field full of dandolions and the pollen in the sunlight and air.
Photo credit Deposit Photos.

Even if you don’t tend to open your doors and windows for extended periods, pollen can get into your home from the outdoors and settle in your HVAC system.

Mold

Black mold in the corner of room wall Photo credit Deposit Photos.
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Any moisture in the environment can grow into mold, and while the moving air of an HVAC system will discourage it, it can still take hold in the pipes.

Bacteria and Viruses

Detailed 3d medical illustration of viruses and bacteria  isolated on white background
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Any bacteria or viruses in your home, from illnesses you’ve carried or from another infection, can find their way into an HVAC, and some can survive for extended periods.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Adorable scottish fold cat sitting in bed at home Photo credit Deposit Photos.
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

All these products can release Volatile Organic Compounds – VOCs – chemicals that enter the air at room temperature.

Chemical Stress

Plastic detergent bottles. Cleaning products
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Volatile Organic Compounds cause chemical stress – you won’t suffer ill effects immediately, but instead, you are weakened by the chemicals over time and can suffer various health conditions.

Impact on Humans

Lung disease with bacteria cells
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Common adverse effects for humans from VOCs include headaches, nausea, and problems with the respiratory system. Long-term, they can cause severe breathing problems and even contribute to cancers.

Modern Lifestyles

woman working from home in a kitchen with a laptop - holding a bowl of soup or cereal
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

How we live is now factoring into the impact of HVAC VOCs – because many people spend more time at home, they are more exposed to the compounds in the air they breathe.

Impact on Pets

black and white cat Cat lying peeking around the corner Photo credit Deposit Photos.
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Pets are just as likely to suffer from health issues due to VOCs as humans, including problems with the respiratory system. Looking after your HVAC system is vital to keep your cats happy and healthy.

Importance of Maintenance

HVAC Technician Working
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Maintaining an HVAC system is, therefore, critical if you want to keep VOCs out of the air in your home. Make sure you get it serviced regularly to clear out any build-ups of dust, dander, and other problematic substances.

Importance of Quality Air Filters

Home Air Filter Replacement
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Ensuring that your HVAC system has high-quality air filters is another way to look after the air quality in your home. Consider upgrading the filters if you are concerned about your current system recirculating poor air around your home.

The Hidden Triggers: Identifying Common but Unnoticed Allergens Affecting Your Cat’s Health

Grumply cat with gold eyes
close-up portrait of grumpy cat of scottish fold breed on isolated black background, small ears and round head, looking in camera

If your cat is constantly licking, biting, and itching a lot, it could be a sign they’re suffering from allergies. But you might not realize what they’re allergic to – and it could be something you’d never even considered.

Uncovering Hidden Allergies for Cats

Discover the Meaning Behind “Splooting” and Uncover the Reason Why Cats Engage in This Behavior

Pictures of Cats Splooting Cats Lying Flat on Stomach with Legs Out
Photo credit: Floppycats.

Have you heard about cats splooting?

When cats lay flat on their stomach with their hind legs out, they look adorable. But what is splooting? Can all cats do it? And is it bad for them?

Cats Lying Flat on Stomach with Legs Out -Splooting

Discover the Enchanting World of Tuxedo Cats: 13 Surprising Facts That Will Amaze You

Tuxedo cat with Attitude
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Tuxedo cats, we’ve all seen them, and we all love them, but what are they exactly? Are they a special cat breed? Are they only a type of coloration, and are they rare?

Some Entertaining Facts about the Adorable Tuxedo Cat

Litter Robot – The Automatic Litter Box Alternative to Scooping

cropped-Review-Litter-Robot-Open-Air-Floppycats-2-scaled-e1617945142990
Photo credit: Floppycats.

“My initial thought when I first saw the Litter- Robot was…that thing is MASSIVE. Little did I know, it is one of the smartest and handiest cat inventions my sister has had me test so far. I work away from my home a good portion of the day and the Litter-Robot has been a lifesaver. I can depend on having a clean litterbox for my cats all day long.”

The Overhyped Litter Robot and Its Dubious Claims of Smartness and Utility for Cats

Alarming Moments: Cats Caught in Embarrassing and Compromising Situations

Crazy cat look
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Sometimes you’ll catch your kitty in a compromising pose – as these cats prove.

Feline Fiascos: Cats Caught in Embarrassing and Compromising Situations

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Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,

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