Indoor Allergy Relief
Indoor allergies are a continual problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn valuable strategies on how to improve IAQ for indoor allergy relief.
Understanding Indoor Allergies
Inside 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 particles 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 difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are necessary to reduce the amount 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 dramatically decreases the quantity 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 remove heat, humidity and fumes.
- Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with fresh outdoor air through the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers come in many different styles. Some are designed to clean the air in an individual room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also eliminate allergens using several different tactics:
- Filtration systems—including media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, stopping them from swirling through the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to duplicate and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling house.
- Electronic air cleaners have negative ion generators that adhere to positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or become too heavy to remain airborne. Those that descend onto household surfaces can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in lowering home allergens. Here are some suggested tips:
- Vacuum your home at least once a week with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove dust mites and other allergens 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 eliminate 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 regularly.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the room where you sleep.
- Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the correct humidity level is fundamental for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and inflamed airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level ranging from 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to use a whole-house humidifier in 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 stimulate mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When choosing potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly types like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help increase indoor air quality and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions in North America
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is committed to creating a healthy and comfortable home environment for our customers. With our expertise 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 learn more about how our services can help you achieve indoor allergy relief.
