Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a common problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover valuable insight 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 the house. These particles trigger allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can lead to 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 measures 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 best techniques to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air substantially decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks to try:

Open windows and doors when the weather makes it possible.
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 throughout the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers come 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 entire home. They also eliminate allergens using numerous methods:

Filtration systems—including media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, blocking them from swirling throughout the house.
Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to replicate and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
Air purifiers with activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, helping produce a clean, fresh-smelling household.
Electronic air cleaners possess negative ion generators that bond with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or become too heavy to stay airborne. Those that drop onto the floor can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is an essential step in reducing household allergens. Here are some suggested steps:

Vacuum your home at least once a week utilizing 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 every seven days in hot water to destroy dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to stop dust mites from accumulating.
Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other areas on a regular basis.
Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the area where you sleep.
Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the appropriate humidity level is vital for managing indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and unhealthy airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to run a whole-house humidifier through the dry winter and a whole-house dehumidifier throughout the humid summer.

Indoor Plants and Allergies

Indoor plants can improve IAQ by filtering out toxins and delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and giving them too much water may encourage mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties 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 assisting our customers in creating a healthy and comfortable household. 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 discover more about how our services can help you achieve indoor allergy relief.