Indoor Allergy Relief
Indoor allergies are a common challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical part of controlling your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn valuable information 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 allergens generate allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can result in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues like asthma attacks and other breathing problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures are needed to minimize the level 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 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.
- Turn on 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 fresh outdoor air through the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers are available in numerous different styles. Some are created to clean the air in one room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also eliminate allergens using a variety of methods:
- Filtration systems—like 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, leaving them unable to reproduce and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers with activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, resulting in a clean, fresh-smelling interior.
- Electronic air cleaners possess 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 furniture can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in lowering household allergens. Here are some suggested tips:
- Vacuum your home at least once a week utilizing 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.
- Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to stop dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces frequently.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease 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 ideal humidity level is fundamental for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and irritated airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level 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 increase IAQ by filtering out toxins and discharging oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and watering them too often may foster mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When shopping for 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 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 the perfect 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.
