Indoor allergies are a typical challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of managing your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find useful information 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. These particles cause 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 problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are needed 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 effective strategies to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Adequate 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 remove heat, humidity and fumes.
- Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stagnant indoor air with clean outdoor air throughout the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers are available in a number of different styles. Some are developed to clean the air in one room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also eliminate allergens using a variety of techniques:
- Filtration systems—including media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, blocking them from circulating through the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to reproduce and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers outfitted with activated carbon filters get rid of odors and chemicals from the air, resulting in a clean, fresh-smelling house.
- 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 remain airborne. Those that drop onto the floor can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a huge step in lowering household allergens. Here are some recommended steps:
- Vacuum your home at least once a week utilizing 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 weekly in hot water to eliminate 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 on a regular basis.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease dander buildup in the area where you sleep.
- Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the correct humidity level is fundamental for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and inflamed airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to operate a whole-house humidifier in 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 releasing 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 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 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 ideal partner to fulfill all your IAQ desires. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to discover more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.