Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a common condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of controlling your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover invaluable insight 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 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 including asthma attacks and other breathing issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are necessary to decrease the level 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 dramatically decreases the number 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 remove heat, humidity and fumes.
Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with clean outdoor air through the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are made 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 home. They also clear away allergens using numerous techniques:

Filtration systems—such as media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from circulating around the house.
Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to duplicate and reducing the distribution of germs throughout your home.
Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, resulting in 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 become too heavy to remain airborne. Those that drop onto household surfaces can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

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

Vacuum your home at least once a 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 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 surfaces on a regular basis.
Keep pets out of your bedroom to minimize 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 ideal humidity level is fundamental for controlling 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 between 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to run 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 releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and giving them too much water may foster mold growth, aggravating indoor allergies. When shopping for potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help increase indoor air quality and are unlikely 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 technical know-how in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the ideal partner to fulfill all your IAQ needs. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to learn more about how our services can help you achieve indoor allergy relief.