Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a common condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn invaluable strategies 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 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 like asthma attacks and other breathing problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are necessary to reduce 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 methods to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air dramatically 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.

• Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with fresh outdoor air through the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are made in a number of different styles. Some are created to clean the air in a single room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire home. They also clear away allergens using a variety of 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 circulating throughout the house.

• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to duplicate and reducing the distribution 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 interior.

• Electronic air cleaners contain 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 descend onto household surfaces can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a huge step in lowering household allergens. Here are some suggested steps:

• Vacuum your home at least every week using 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.

• Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.

• Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces on a regular basis.

• Keep pets out of your bedroom to minimize dander buildup in the place where you sleep.

• Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and create hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the appropriate 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. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to operate a whole-house humidifier through 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 delivering 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 types like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help raise 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 creating a healthy and comfortable home environment for our customers. With our wealth of experience in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the perfect 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 achieve indoor allergy relief.