Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a typical condition 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 learn invaluable insight 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 like asthma attacks and other breathing issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are needed to minimize the level 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 enhance 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 permits.
• Turn on 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 stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air across the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are available in numerous different styles. Some are created to clean the air in one room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire home. They also clear away allergens using several different methods:

• Filtration systems—such as media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from circulating around the house.
• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to replicate and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.
• Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters get rid of odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to 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 grow too heavy to remain airborne. Those that fall onto the floor can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

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

• Vacuum your home at least every week utilizing a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to remove dust mites and other allergens 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 destroy dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
• Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
• Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces on a regular basis.
• Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the room where you sleep.
• Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and create hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the correct humidity level is fundamental for managing indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and unhealthy airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level ranging from 30-50 percent. The simplest 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 giving them too much water 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 less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Indoor Air Quality Solutions in North America

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