Indoor allergies are a common condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find valuable strategies 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 contaminants trigger allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can result in 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 actions 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 best methods to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Adequate inflow of fresh, outdoor air considerably decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather permits.
- Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to release heat, humidity and fumes.
- Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stagnant indoor air with healthy outdoor air across the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers come in numerous different styles. Some are developed to clean the air in a single room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also eliminate allergens using numerous methods:
- 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 moving throughout the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to replicate and reducing the distribution of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling interior.
- 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 the floor can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a huge step in limiting household allergens. Here are some good tips:
- Vacuum your home at least every 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 eliminate dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
- Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other areas on a regular basis.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease 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 controlling indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and unhealthy airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to operate a whole-house humidifier during the dry winter and a whole-house dehumidifier throughout the humid summer.
Indoor Plants and Allergies
Indoor plants can enhance IAQ by filtering out toxins and delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and giving them too much water may encourage 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 raise 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 creating a healthy and comfortable home environment for our customers. With our expertise in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are a great partner to fulfill all your IAQ requirements. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to discover more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.