Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a continual condition 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 discover 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 inside. These particles cause allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues including asthma attacks and other breathing problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures are necessary to decrease 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 methods to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Appropriate 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 clear away heat, humidity and fumes.
Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with clean outdoor air throughout 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 one room, while others operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also remove allergens using numerous techniques:

Filtration systems—including 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, rendering them unable to replicate and reducing the distribution of germs throughout your home.
Air purifiers outfitted with activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling interior.
Electronic air cleaners possess 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 fall onto the floor can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in decreasing home allergens. Here are some recommended recommendations:

Vacuum your home at least once per 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 every seven days in hot water to eliminate 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 areas on a regular basis.
Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the recommended humidity level is imperative for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and inflamed airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to use 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 discharging oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and watering them too often may foster mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties 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 dedicated to assisting our customers in creating a healthy and comfortable household. With our wealth of experience 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 learn more about how our services can help you achieve indoor allergy relief.