Indoor Allergy Relief
Indoor allergies are a continual condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of controlling your allergies and ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find valuable information 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 contaminants cause allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues like asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures are necessary to reduce 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 substantially decreases the quantity of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing steps to try:
• Open windows and doors when the weather allows.
• Run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to remove heat, humidity and fumes.
• Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with fresh outdoor air throughout the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers are made in numerous different styles. Some are designed to clean the air in one room, while others operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire home. They also remove allergens using several different tactics:
• Filtration systems—like media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from swirling through the house.
• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to reproduce and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.
• Air purifiers outfitted 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 continue to be airborne. Those that descend onto the floor can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is an essential step in decreasing indoor allergens. Here are some good recommendations:
• Vacuum your home at least once per week using a vacuum cleaner 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 every seven days in hot water to kill dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
• Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to stop dust mites from accumulating.
• Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces regularly.
• Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease dander buildup in the area where you sleep.
• Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and create hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the correct humidity level is imperative for managing indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and inflamed 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 through 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 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 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 technical know-how in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are a great 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 achieve indoor allergy relief.
