Indoor Allergy Relief
Indoor allergies are a common condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of managing your allergies and ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn useful strategies 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. These allergens 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 problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures are needed 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 methods to reduce allergens is to enhance ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air substantially decreases the number 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 release heat, humidity and fumes.
- Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with fresh outdoor air across the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers are available in a number of different styles. Some are developed to clean the air in one room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also eliminate allergens using numerous tactics:
- Filtration systems—such as media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, stopping them from swirling around the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to duplicate and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters remove odors and chemicals from the air, helping produce a clean, fresh-smelling household.
- Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that adhere to positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or are too heavy to stay airborne. Those that descend onto furniture can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in decreasing home allergens. Here are some recommended steps:
- Vacuum your home at least once per week utilizing a vacuum cleaner 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 remove other lingering allergens.
- Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter 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 area where you sleep.
- Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the ideal humidity level is vital for managing indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity leads to dry skin and unhealthy airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The simplest way to do this is to use a whole-house humidifier during 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 delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may foster mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species 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 helping our customers enjoy a healthy and comfortable home environment. 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 discover more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.
