Indoor allergies are a continual problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of managing your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn invaluable strategies 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 into your home. These particles trigger 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 problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are necessary 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 best strategies to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air dramatically decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather allows.
- Run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to clear away heat, humidity and fumes.
- Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stagnant indoor air with healthy outdoor air throughout the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers are available in many different styles. Some are created 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 eliminate allergens using several different methods:
- Filtration systems—such as media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, stopping them from swirling throughout the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to duplicate and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters remove odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling household.
- Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that bond with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or become too heavy to remain airborne. Those that fall onto household surfaces can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is an essential step in decreasing household allergens. Here are some suggested steps:
- Vacuum your home at least once per week using 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.
- Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces frequently.
- 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 correct humidity level is imperative for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and inflamed airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level ranging from 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to run a whole-house humidifier in the dry winter and a whole-house dehumidifier throughout the humid summer.
Indoor Plants and Allergies
Indoor plants can improve IAQ by filtering out toxins and releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and watering them too often may stimulate 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 less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions in North America
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is committed to assisting our customers in creating a healthy and comfortable household. 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 attain indoor allergy relief.