Indoor Allergy Relief
Indoor allergies are a common problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find useful 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 into your home. These particles trigger 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 issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are necessary 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. Adequate inflow of fresh, outdoor air substantially decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing steps to try:
• Open windows and doors when the weather allows.
• Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to release heat, humidity and fumes.
• Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stagnant indoor air with clean outdoor air through the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers come in a number of different styles. Some are designed to clean the air in an individual room, while others operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also eliminate allergens using a variety of methods:
• Filtration systems—including media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, stopping them from circulating around the house.
• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to duplicate and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.
• Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters get rid of odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling household.
• Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that bind with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or grow too heavy to remain airborne. Those that descend onto furniture can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a huge step in limiting indoor allergens. Here are some suggested recommendations:
• Vacuum your home at least every week with a vacuum cleaner 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 once a week in hot water to eliminate dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
• Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter 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.
• Reduce clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the recommended humidity level is vital for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity supports 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 simplest 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 delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may stimulate mold growth, aggravating indoor allergies. When choosing potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species 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 devoted to creating a healthy and comfortable home environment for our customers. With our technical know-how 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.
