Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a common challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of managing your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover useful 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 contaminants cause allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can induce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues like asthma attacks and other breathing issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are necessary 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 effective techniques to reduce allergens is to increase 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 permits.

• 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 stale indoor air with clean outdoor air through the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are available in numerous different styles. Some are created to clean the air in a single room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also clear away allergens using numerous techniques:

• Filtration systems—like media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, blocking 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 distribution of germs throughout your home.

• Air purifiers outfitted with activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling house.

• Electronic air cleaners have 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 the floor can be eliminated 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 once a 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 kill dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.

• Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to stop dust mites from accumulating.

• Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces frequently.

• Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the room where you sleep.

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

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the ideal 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 irritated airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The easiest 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 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 varieties like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve 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 technical know-how in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the perfect 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.