Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a continual problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find valuable insight 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 contaminants cause 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 needed to minimize the concentration 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 enhance ventilation. Proper 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 allows.
• Run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to clear away heat, humidity and fumes.
• Buy 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 made in numerous different styles. Some are designed 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 numerous methods:

• Filtration systems—including media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from swirling through the house.
• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to replicate 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, resulting in 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 stay airborne. Those that fall onto furniture can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a huge step in reducing indoor allergens. Here are some suggested tips:

• Vacuum your home at least once a week with 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 kill dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
• Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.
• Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other areas on a regular basis.
• 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 appropriate humidity level is vital for managing indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and irritated airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level ranging from 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to run 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 delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and watering them too often may foster mold growth, aggravating indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help increase indoor air quality and are less 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 requirements. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to find out more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.