Indoor Allergy Relief
Indoor allergies are a common problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical part of managing your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find invaluable 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 inside the house. These contaminants trigger 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 difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures 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 effective techniques to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the quantity of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing steps to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather makes it possible.
- Run 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 stagnant indoor air with clean outdoor air throughout the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers are available in a number of 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 clear away allergens using numerous techniques:
- 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 reproduce and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers outfitted with activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, helping produce a clean, fresh-smelling house.
- Electronic air cleaners have negative ion generators that bond with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or are too heavy to stay airborne. Those that drop onto household surfaces can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.
Keeping your home clean is an essential step in limiting home allergens. Here are some recommended recommendations:
- Vacuum your home at least once per week utilizing 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 once a week in hot water to kill dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
- Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces regularly.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
- Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and create hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the appropriate humidity level is imperative for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and irritated airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The simplest 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 watering them too often may stimulate mold growth, aggravating indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly types like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help raise indoor air quality and are not as likely to cause allergic reactions.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions in North America
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is dedicated 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 the ideal partner to fulfill all your IAQ requirements. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to find out more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.