Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a continual problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of managing your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn invaluable information 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 into your home. 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 including asthma attacks and other breathing issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are necessary 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 methods to reduce allergens is to enhance ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing steps 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.

• Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stale indoor air with healthy outdoor air across the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are made in many different styles. Some are designed to clean the air in one room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also clear away allergens using numerous methods:

• Filtration systems—like media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from moving through the house.

• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to reproduce and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.

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

• Electronic air cleaners possess negative ion generators that bond with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or become too heavy to continue to be airborne. Those that fall onto the floor can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in reducing household allergens. Here are some good recommendations:

• Vacuum your home at least once per week using a vacuum cleaner equipped with 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 destroy dust mites and do away with 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 minimize dander buildup in the room where you sleep.

• Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the ideal humidity level is imperative for managing indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and unhealthy airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The quickest 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 enhance IAQ by filtering out toxins and releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may encourage mold growth, aggravating 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 devoted to creating a healthy and comfortable home environment for our customers. With our wealth of experience 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 attain indoor allergy relief.