Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a continual condition 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 discover invaluable information 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 allergens 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 such as asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are necessary to minimize the level of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.

Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation

One of the best strategies to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Adequate inflow of fresh, outdoor air substantially 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.
• Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with fresh outdoor air through 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 one room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire home. They also clear away allergens using a variety of methods:

• Filtration systems—like media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, blocking them from circulating throughout the house.
• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to replicate and reducing the circulation 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 possess 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 furniture can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a huge step in lowering household allergens. Here are some good tips:

• 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 every seven days in hot water to destroy dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
• Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to stop dust mites from accumulating.
• Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces regularly.
• Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
• Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the ideal humidity level is vital for managing indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and inflamed airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The simplest way to do this is to run a whole-house humidifier in 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 encourage mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly types like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help increase 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 committed to creating a healthy and comfortable home environment for our customers. With our wealth of experience in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are a great partner to fulfill all your IAQ desires. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to discover more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.