Indoor allergies are a typical condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of managing your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find invaluable insight 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 contaminants cause allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can induce 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 measures are necessary 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 techniques to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air substantially decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather permits.
- Run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to clear away heat, humidity and fumes.
- Purchase 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 made in numerous different styles. Some are developed to clean the air in one room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also clear away allergens using numerous tactics:
- Filtration systems—including media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, blocking them from moving around the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to reproduce and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling house.
- Electronic air cleaners possess negative ion generators that adhere to positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or become too heavy to remain airborne. Those that drop onto household surfaces can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in decreasing household allergens. Here are some recommended steps:
- Vacuum your home at least once a week using 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 weekly in hot water to kill dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
- Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces regularly.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce 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 ideal humidity level is imperative for managing indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity leads to dry skin and irritated airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level ranging 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 releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may stimulate mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When selecting 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 helping our customers enjoy a healthy and comfortable home environment. With our wealth of experience 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 achieve indoor allergy relief.