Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a typical condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn valuable strategies 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 into your home. These particles cause allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can result in 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 concentration 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 improve ventilation. Appropriate 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 remove heat, humidity and fumes.
  • Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with healthy outdoor air through the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are made in many different styles. Some are developed to clean the air in one room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also eliminate allergens using numerous techniques:

  • Filtration systems—such as media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, blocking them from swirling throughout the house.
  • Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to replicate and reducing the distribution of germs throughout your home.
  • Air purifiers outfitted with activated carbon filters remove odors and chemicals from the air, helping produce 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 drop onto household surfaces can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

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

  • Vacuum your home at least once a 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 once a week in hot water to kill 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 surfaces regularly.
  • Keep pets out of your bedroom to minimize dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
  • Reduce clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the ideal humidity level is vital for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and unhealthy airways. Shoot for 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 increase IAQ by filtering out toxins and releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may stimulate mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When shopping for 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 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 attain indoor allergy relief.

chat now widget box