Indoor allergies are a continual condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn invaluable insight 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 inside. These allergens 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 such as asthma attacks and other breathing issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are necessary to decrease the concentration of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.
Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation
One of the most effective techniques to reduce allergens is to enhance ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air substantially decreases the number of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather permits.
- Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to remove heat, humidity and fumes.
- Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stale 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 developed 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 remove allergens using a variety of techniques:
- Filtration systems—like media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, blocking them from moving throughout the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to replicate 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 interior.
- Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that adhere to positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or grow too heavy to stay airborne. Those that drop onto household surfaces can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in lowering indoor allergens. Here are some suggested steps:
- Vacuum your home at least once per 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 eliminate dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
- Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to stop dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces on a regular basis.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
- Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and create hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the appropriate humidity level is fundamental for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and irritated airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to use 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 delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may encourage mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When choosing potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help increase indoor air quality and are less 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 wealth of experience in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the perfect 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 achieve indoor allergy relief.