Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a continual challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn invaluable insight 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 inside the house. These particles 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 issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are essential 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 best methods to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks 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.
  • Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with healthy outdoor air across the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are made 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 remove allergens using numerous 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 moving around the house.
  • Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to reproduce and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
  • Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters eliminate 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 become too heavy to stay 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 decreasing household allergens. Here are some good steps:

  • Vacuum your home at least every week using a vacuum cleaner that has 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 once a week in hot water to destroy dust mites and clean out other lingering allergens.
  • Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent 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 correct humidity level is vital for managing indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and inflamed airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to use 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 releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may encourage mold growth, aggravating indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly types like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help raise 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 dedicated to assisting our customers in creating a healthy and comfortable household. With our technical know-how 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.

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