Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a common condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of controlling your allergies and ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn invaluable 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 particles generate allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can result in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues including asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are necessary to minimize 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 increase ventilation. Adequate inflow of fresh, outdoor air considerably decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:

• Open windows and doors when the weather allows.
• Turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to clear away heat, humidity and fumes.
• Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with clean outdoor air across the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are made in many different styles. Some are developed to clean the air in a single room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also clear away allergens using a variety of techniques:

• 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 circulating throughout the house.
• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to reproduce and reducing the distribution 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 house.
• Electronic air cleaners possess negative ion generators that bind with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or are too heavy to continue to be airborne. Those that drop onto furniture can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is an essential step in lowering household allergens. Here are some recommended tips:

• Vacuum your home at least once per 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 eliminate dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
• Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
• Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces regularly.
• Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
• Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the correct humidity level is fundamental for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and inflamed 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 in 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 encourage mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When choosing potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help raise indoor air quality and are unlikely 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 the ideal partner to fulfill all your IAQ requirements. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to learn more about how our services can help you achieve indoor allergy relief.