Indoor Allergy Relief
Indoor allergies are a continual problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical part of managing your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover valuable insight on how to improve IAQ for indoor allergy relief.
Understanding Indoor Allergies
Household allergens include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, tobacco smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bacteria and viruses, as well as pollen that makes its way inside. These allergens trigger allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can induce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues including asthma attacks and other breathing issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are essential to minimize the concentration of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.
Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation
One of the most reliable techniques to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Adequate inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather makes it possible.
- Turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to remove heat, humidity and fumes.
- Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with clean outdoor air across the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers come in numerous different styles. Some are created to clean the air in one room, while others operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also eliminate allergens using several different methods:
- Filtration systems—such as media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from circulating throughout the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to replicate and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers with activated carbon filters remove odors and chemicals from the air, helping produce a clean, fresh-smelling household.
- Electronic air cleaners possess negative ion generators that bind with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or grow too heavy to stay airborne. Those that descend onto household surfaces can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a huge step in lowering home allergens. Here are some recommended steps:
- Vacuum your home at least once per week with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter to remove dust mites and other contaminants from carpets and upholstery.
- Choose hypoallergenic bedding, such as organic cotton, bamboo or silk, which is naturally allergen-resistant.
- Wash your bedding every seven days in hot water to kill dust mites and clean out other lingering allergens.
- Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to stop dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces on a regular basis.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to minimize dander buildup in the room where you sleep.
- Reduce clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the appropriate humidity level is fundamental for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and irritated airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level ranging from 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to run a whole-house humidifier during the dry winter and a whole-house dehumidifier throughout the humid summer.
Indoor Plants and Allergies
Indoor plants can enhance IAQ by filtering out toxins and discharging oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may encourage mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When choosing potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve indoor air quality and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions in North America
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is devoted to helping our customers enjoy a healthy and comfortable home environment. With our wealth of experience in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are a great partner to fulfill all your IAQ requirements. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to learn more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.
