Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a typical challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of managing your allergies and ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover invaluable information on how to improve IAQ for indoor allergy relief.

Understanding Indoor Allergies

Household 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 trigger 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 problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are necessary to reduce the level 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. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air considerably decreases the quantity of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks to try:

  • Open windows and doors when the weather permits.
  • Run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to release heat, humidity and fumes.
  • Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with clean outdoor air throughout the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are made in many different styles. Some are designed to clean the air in an individual room, while others operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also clear away allergens using a variety of 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 through the house.
  • Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to replicate and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
  • Air purifiers outfitted with activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, resulting in a clean, fresh-smelling interior.
  • Electronic air cleaners have negative ion generators that bond with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or grow too heavy to stay airborne. Those that drop onto furniture can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

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

  • Vacuum your home at least every week using 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 weekly in hot water to eliminate dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
  • Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.
  • Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other areas on a regular basis.
  • Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
  • Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and create hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the appropriate humidity level is fundamental for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and irritated airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to operate 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 releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may encourage mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties 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 devoted 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 a great partner to fulfill all your IAQ desires. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to learn more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.

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