Indoor Allergy Relief
Indoor allergies are a continual condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn useful strategies on how to improve IAQ for indoor allergy relief.
Understanding Indoor Allergies
Indoor 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 cause allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can result in 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 steps are needed 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 best techniques to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing steps 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 release heat, humidity and fumes.
- Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stagnant indoor air with clean outdoor air through the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers come in numerous different styles. Some are designed to clean the air in a single room, while others work 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, preventing them from moving through the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to duplicate and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers with activated carbon filters remove odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling house.
- Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that bind with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or become too heavy to remain airborne. Those that fall onto the floor can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is an essential step in limiting household allergens. Here are some good steps:
- Vacuum your home at least once per week using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to remove dust mites and other irritants 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 do away with other lingering allergens.
- Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces frequently.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease 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 imperative for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and irritated airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The easiest 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 improve IAQ by filtering out toxins and delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and giving them too much water 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 technical know-how in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are a great partner to fulfill all your IAQ desires. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to find out more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.