Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a continual challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of managing your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn invaluable 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 the house. These particles 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 steps are needed to minimize the amount of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.

Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation

One of the most reliable techniques to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air dramatically decreases the amount 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.
• Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air throughout 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 one room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also clear away allergens using numerous methods:

• Filtration systems—like media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from circulating through the house.
• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to duplicate and reducing the spread 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 house.
• Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that adhere to positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or grow too heavy to continue to be airborne. Those that descend onto household surfaces can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is an essential step in lowering household allergens. Here are some good recommendations:

• Vacuum your home at least every week using 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 weekly in hot water to kill dust mites and clean out other lingering allergens.
• Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to stop 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 area where you sleep.
• Reduce clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the correct humidity level is imperative for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity leads to dry skin and unhealthy airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to operate 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 releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and giving them too much water may foster mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When choosing potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties 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 assisting our customers in creating a healthy and comfortable household. With our technical know-how 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 achieve indoor allergy relief.