Pet Dander, HVAC Systems, and What Actually Helps

Cat dander is the worst-case scenario for HVAC allergens. The protein particles are about 2.5 microns — small enough to ride airflow for hours, light enough to settle into every duct surface, and sticky enough to bond to dust. Cleaning the visible house and not the ducts is rinse-and-repeat futility.

What an HVAC + pet-dander cleaning includes

• Pre-clean IAQ sample specifically testing for Fel d 1 (cat) and Can f 1 (dog) allergens
• Negative-pressure HEPA cleaning of the entire system
• Air handler coil cleaning — dander concentrates here
• EPA-registered antimicrobial fog (optional add-on — most pet households opt in)
• Recommendation on filter upgrade (usually MERV 13 minimum)
• Post-clean IAQ sample to verify reduction

What we'll tell you if you ask

If the family member with the pet allergy is severe, even a perfect duct cleaning won't get them to zero exposure as long as the pet lives in the home. Cleaning + MERV 13 filter + a dedicated HEPA air purifier in the affected person's bedroom is the realistic stack. We'll say that to your face — we're not going to oversell.