Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a common challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical part of managing your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find invaluable insight 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 into your home. These contaminants cause 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 issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are essential to reduce 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 techniques to reduce allergens is to enhance ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air considerably decreases the number of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks to try:

• Open windows and doors when the weather makes it possible.
• Turn on 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 stagnant indoor air with fresh outdoor air throughout the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are made in many 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 remove allergens using a variety of 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 circulating around the house.
• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to reproduce and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
• Air purifiers outfitted with activated carbon filters get rid of odors and chemicals from the air, resulting in a clean, fresh-smelling household.
• Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that adhere to positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or become too heavy to continue to be airborne. Those that drop onto the floor can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

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

• Vacuum your home at least every week utilizing 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 weekly in hot water to destroy 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 hard surfaces on a regular basis.
• Keep pets out of your bedroom to minimize dander buildup in the room where you sleep.
• Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the recommended humidity level is fundamental for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and unhealthy airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level ranging 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 increase IAQ by filtering out toxins and discharging oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may stimulate mold growth, aggravating indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve indoor air quality and are not as 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 the perfect partner to fulfill all your IAQ requirements. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to learn more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.