Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a common condition 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 find valuable 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 allergens cause allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can result in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues like asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are essential 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 best techniques to reduce allergens is to enhance ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air substantially decreases the number of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing steps to try:

• Open windows and doors when the weather permits.

• Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to release heat, humidity and fumes.

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

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are available in a number of 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 entire house. They also remove allergens using several different techniques:

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

• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to duplicate and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.

• Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling interior.

• Electronic air cleaners have negative ion generators that bond 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 household surfaces can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a huge step in limiting household allergens. Here are some recommended steps:

• Vacuum your home at least every week utilizing a vacuum cleaner 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 once a week in hot water to eliminate dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.

• Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.

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

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

• Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the correct humidity level is imperative for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and unhealthy airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level ranging from 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 increase IAQ by filtering out toxins and delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and giving them too much water may foster mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When shopping for potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties 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 wealth of experience in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are a great partner to fulfill all your IAQ needs. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to find out more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.