Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a common problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of managing your allergies and ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find valuable information on how to improve IAQ for indoor allergy relief.

Understanding Indoor Allergies

Indoor 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 allergens 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 problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures are necessary to reduce the concentration 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. Adequate inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the number of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:

• Open windows and doors when the weather permits.

• 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 stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air across the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers come in many different styles. Some are designed to clean the air in a single room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the 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, preventing them from circulating around the house.

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

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

• Electronic air cleaners contain 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 fall onto household surfaces can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

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

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

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

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

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

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

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the appropriate humidity level is vital for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity leads to 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 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 improve IAQ by filtering out toxins and releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may encourage mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When choosing potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species 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 dedicated 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 perfect 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.