Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a typical problem 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 find invaluable information 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 contaminants trigger allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can result in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues such as asthma attacks and other breathing issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are necessary 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 most effective methods to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the quantity of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks 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 remove heat, humidity and fumes.
Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stale 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 operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire home. They also eliminate allergens using several different tactics:

Filtration systems—such as media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, blocking them from circulating through 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 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 continue to be airborne. Those that drop onto furniture can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is an essential step in lowering household allergens. Here are some recommended steps:

Vacuum your home at least every week utilizing 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 every seven days in hot water to kill dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
Use 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 decrease dander buildup in the room where you sleep.
Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and create hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the appropriate 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 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 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 releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may stimulate mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve 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 assisting our customers in creating a healthy and comfortable household. With our wealth of experience in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are a great 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.