Indoor allergies are a typical condition 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 learn invaluable information 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 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 difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures are necessary to minimize the amount of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.
Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation
One of the most effective strategies to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air dramatically decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques 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.
- Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with clean outdoor air across the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers are made in many different styles. Some are created to clean the air in an individual room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also remove allergens using numerous methods:
- Filtration systems—such as media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from moving around the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to duplicate and reducing the distribution of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters remove odors and chemicals from the air, helping produce 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 grow too heavy to remain airborne. Those that drop onto the floor can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in reducing home allergens. Here are some recommended recommendations:
- Vacuum your home at least once a week using 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 weekly in hot water to kill 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 hard surfaces regularly.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce 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 appropriate humidity level is fundamental for managing indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and unhealthy airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The simplest way to do this is to operate 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 overwatering them may stimulate mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When choosing potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly types like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve 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 devoted 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 needs. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to learn more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.