Indoor Allergy Relief
Indoor allergies are a common problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover valuable strategies 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 into your home. These allergens trigger allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can induce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues such as asthma attacks and other breathing issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures are necessary to decrease the amount 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 improve ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the quantity of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing steps to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather permits.
- Turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to remove heat, humidity and fumes.
- Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with fresh outdoor air through the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers come in a number of 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 remove 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 throughout 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 that use activated carbon filters get rid of odors and chemicals from the air, helping produce a clean, fresh-smelling house.
- Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that adhere to positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or grow too heavy to stay airborne. Those that descend onto furniture can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in reducing indoor allergens. Here are some suggested tips:
- Vacuum your home at least every week with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter to remove dust mites and other contaminants from carpets and upholstery.
- Choose hypoallergenic bedding, such as organic cotton, bamboo or silk, which is naturally allergen-resistant.
- Wash your bedding once a week in hot water to eliminate 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 on a regular basis.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease dander buildup in the area where you sleep.
- Reduce clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the recommended humidity level is fundamental for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and irritated airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to operate a whole-house humidifier during the dry winter and a whole-house dehumidifier throughout the humid summer.
Indoor Plants and Allergies
Indoor plants can increase IAQ by filtering out toxins and discharging 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 types like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve indoor air quality and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions in North America
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is devoted 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 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 find indoor allergy relief.