Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a continual challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of controlling your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn invaluable strategies 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 contaminants trigger allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can induce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues such as asthma attacks and other breathing problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are necessary 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 best strategies to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air considerably decreases the number of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing steps to try:

• Open windows and doors when the weather allows.

• Run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to clear away heat, humidity and fumes.

• Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with clean outdoor air throughout the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are made in numerous different styles. Some are created to clean the air in an individual room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also eliminate allergens using several different techniques:

• Filtration systems—like media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, blocking them from swirling throughout the house.

• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to duplicate and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.

• Air purifiers with activated carbon filters remove odors and chemicals from the air, resulting in a clean, fresh-smelling interior.

• Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that bind with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or are too heavy to remain 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 limiting home allergens. Here are some good steps:

• Vacuum your home at least every week using a vacuum cleaner equipped with 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 once a week in hot water to kill dust mites and clean out other lingering allergens.

• Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.

• Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other areas frequently.

• Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the place where you sleep.

• Reduce clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the appropriate humidity level is vital for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and unhealthy airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level ranging from 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to run a whole-house humidifier through 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 delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and watering them too often may encourage mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help raise 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 creating a healthy and comfortable home environment for our customers. With our technical know-how in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are a great partner to fulfill all your IAQ needs. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to discover more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.