Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a typical condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of controlling your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find useful 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. These particles generate allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can induce 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 needed 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 most reliable methods to reduce allergens is to enhance ventilation. Adequate inflow of fresh, outdoor air dramatically decreases the quantity of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks to try:

• Open windows and doors when the weather allows.

• Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to clear away heat, humidity and fumes.

• Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stale indoor air with healthy outdoor air through the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers come in numerous different styles. Some are created to clean the air in an individual room, while others operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also eliminate allergens using numerous tactics:

• Filtration systems—such as media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing 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 spread of germs throughout your home.

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

• Electronic air cleaners have negative ion generators that bond with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or are too heavy to continue to be airborne. Those that drop onto household surfaces can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

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

• Vacuum your home at least once per week with 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 eliminate dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.

• Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to stop dust mites from accumulating.

• Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces frequently.

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

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

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the appropriate humidity level is imperative for managing indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and inflamed airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to operate a whole-house humidifier in 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 releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and giving them too much water may foster mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When choosing 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 expertise in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the ideal 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 achieve indoor allergy relief.