Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a continual condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of controlling your allergies and ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn invaluable insight 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 the house. These contaminants generate 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 difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are essential to reduce the amount of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.

Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation

One of the best techniques to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air substantially decreases the quantity of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing steps to try:

• Open windows and doors when the weather allows.

• Run 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 stale indoor air with healthy outdoor air through the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers come in a number of different styles. Some are created to clean the air in a single room, while others operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire home. They also clear away 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, preventing them from circulating around the house.

• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to duplicate and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.

• Air purifiers with activated carbon filters get rid of odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling house.

• 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 eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a huge step in lowering home allergens. Here are some suggested steps:

• Vacuum your home at least once per week utilizing a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter to remove dust mites and other contaminants 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 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 surfaces regularly.

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

• Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the ideal humidity level is vital for managing indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and unhealthy airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level ranging 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 increase IAQ by filtering out toxins and discharging oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and watering them too often may encourage mold growth, aggravating indoor allergies. When choosing potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly types like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve indoor air quality and are unlikely to cause allergic reactions.

Indoor Air Quality Solutions in North America

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is committed to helping our customers enjoy a healthy and comfortable home environment. With our technical know-how in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the perfect partner to fulfill all your IAQ requirements. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to find out more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.