Indoor Allergy Relief
Indoor allergies are a typical problem 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 discover valuable 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 inside. 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 including asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures are essential 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 best techniques to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air dramatically decreases the number of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather allows.
- Turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to clear away heat, humidity and fumes.
- Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stagnant indoor air with healthy outdoor air across the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers come in a number of different styles. Some are developed to clean the air in an individual room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also clear away allergens using several different techniques:
- Filtration systems—including media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from swirling throughout the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to reproduce and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters get rid of odors and chemicals from the air, helping produce a clean, fresh-smelling household.
- Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that bond with 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 an essential step in lowering home allergens. Here are some good tips:
- 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 weekly in hot water to destroy dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
- Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to stop dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces frequently.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to minimize dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
- Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the recommended humidity level is vital for managing indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity leads to dry skin and irritated airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The simplest way to do this is to operate a whole-house humidifier in 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 stimulate mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When shopping for potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species 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 committed 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 the perfect partner to fulfill all your IAQ needs. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to find out more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.
