Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a typical problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of managing your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover useful 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 inside the house. These contaminants generate 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 necessary to reduce the amount of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.

Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation

One of the most reliable techniques to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the quantity of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:

• Open windows and doors when the weather allows.

• Run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to clear away heat, humidity and fumes.

• Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with clean outdoor air throughout the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers come in numerous different styles. Some are created to clean the air in an individual room, while others operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also eliminate allergens using numerous tactics:

• 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, leaving them unable to duplicate and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.

• Air purifiers with activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, helping produce a clean, fresh-smelling household.

• Electronic air cleaners possess negative ion generators that bind with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or are 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 limiting indoor allergens. Here are some suggested tips:

• Vacuum your home at least once per week with 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 weekly in hot water to eliminate dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.

• Use 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 minimize 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 correct humidity level is fundamental for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and unhealthy airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The quickest 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 releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may encourage 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 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 committed to helping our customers enjoy a healthy and comfortable home environment. With our expertise in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the perfect partner to fulfill all your IAQ desires. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to learn more about how our services can help you achieve indoor allergy relief.