Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a typical problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of controlling your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover invaluable strategies 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 inside the house. These allergens generate allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can induce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues including asthma attacks and other breathing issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are needed to decrease the amount of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.

Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation

One of the best strategies to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air considerably decreases the number of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:

  • Open windows and doors when the weather permits.
  • 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 through the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers come in many 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 eliminate 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 moving around the house.
  • Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to duplicate and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.
  • Air purifiers outfitted with activated carbon filters get rid of odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling interior.
  • 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 continue to be airborne. Those that fall onto furniture can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in lowering home allergens. Here are some recommended steps:

  • Vacuum your home at least every week utilizing a vacuum cleaner with 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.
  • Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
  • Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces frequently.
  • Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce 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 ideal humidity level is imperative for managing indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity leads to dry skin and irritated airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level ranging from 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to run a whole-house humidifier through the dry winter and a whole-house dehumidifier throughout the humid summer.

Indoor Plants and Allergies

Indoor plants can increase IAQ by filtering out toxins and releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may stimulate mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When choosing potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve indoor air quality and are unlikely to cause allergic reactions.

Indoor Air Quality Solutions in North America

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is devoted 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 requirements. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to learn more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.

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