Indoor allergies are a continual problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of managing your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover useful 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 into your home. 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 like asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are needed to decrease the level of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.

Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation

One of the most effective techniques to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Adequate inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the number of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks to try:

Open windows and doors when the weather allows.
Run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to release heat, humidity and fumes.
Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stagnant indoor air with clean outdoor air across the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are available in many different styles. Some are developed to clean the air in a single room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also remove allergens using numerous tactics:

Filtration systems—like media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from moving throughout the house.
Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to reproduce and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.
Air purifiers with activated carbon filters get rid of 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 grow too heavy to remain airborne. Those that descend onto furniture can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in decreasing indoor allergens. Here are some recommended tips:

Vacuum your home at least once per 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 weekly in hot water to eliminate dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.
Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces on a regular basis.
Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease dander buildup in the area where you sleep.
Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the appropriate humidity level is vital for managing indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and unhealthy airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The simplest way to do this is to operate a whole-house humidifier in the dry winter and a whole-house dehumidifier throughout the humid summer.

Indoor Plants and Allergies

Indoor plants can increase 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 shopping for potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species 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 Total home Comfort is devoted to assisting our customers in creating a healthy and comfortable household. With our expertise in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the ideal partner to fulfill all your IAQ needs. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to find out more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.