Indoor allergies are a common condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical part of controlling your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find valuable 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 into your home. These particles 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 including asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures 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 most reliable strategies to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Adequate inflow of fresh, outdoor air substantially decreases the number of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather makes it possible.
- Run 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 stagnant indoor air with fresh 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 an individual room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire home. 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, preventing them from moving through the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to duplicate and reducing the distribution of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, helping produce a clean, fresh-smelling household.
- Electronic air cleaners have negative ion generators that bond with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or are too heavy to stay airborne. Those that descend onto household surfaces can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in reducing home allergens. Here are some good steps:
- Vacuum your home at least once a week with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove dust mites and other allergens 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 kill dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
- Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces on a regular basis.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to minimize dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
- Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the correct humidity level is vital for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and unhealthy airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The simplest way to do this is to use a whole-house humidifier in 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 delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and watering them too often may stimulate mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When shopping for potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help raise indoor air quality and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions in North America
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is devoted to assisting our customers in creating a healthy and comfortable household. With our expertise 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.