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 learn useful insight 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 generate allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can induce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues such as asthma attacks and other breathing issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are needed to reduce 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. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air substantially decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather makes it possible.
- Turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to clear away heat, humidity and fumes.
- Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air across the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers come in many different styles. Some are created to clean the air in a single room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also remove allergens using numerous methods:
- Filtration systems—like media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from swirling through the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to reproduce and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers with activated carbon filters remove odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling interior.
- 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 stay airborne. Those that fall onto household surfaces can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in lowering indoor allergens. Here are some suggested recommendations:
- Vacuum your home at least every week with 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 destroy dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
- Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces regularly.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease 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 vital for managing indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in 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 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, aggravating indoor allergies. When choosing potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly types 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 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 ideal 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 achieve indoor allergy relief.