Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a common challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of controlling your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover useful 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 generate allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can induce 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 measures are needed 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 best strategies to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air dramatically decreases the number of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing steps to try:

Open windows and doors when the weather makes it possible.
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 stale indoor air with healthy outdoor air across the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are available in a number of different styles. Some are designed to clean the air in a single room, while others operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also remove 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, preventing them from circulating throughout the house.
Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to reproduce and reducing the distribution of germs throughout your home.
Air purifiers with activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling household.
Electronic air cleaners contain 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 fall onto the floor 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 recommendations:

Vacuum your home at least once a 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 once a week in hot water to kill dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.
Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces regularly.
Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease dander buildup in the room where you sleep.
Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the correct humidity level is imperative for managing indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and irritated airways. Shoot for 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 giving them too much water may stimulate 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 raise indoor air quality and are unlikely 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 expertise in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the ideal partner to fulfill all your IAQ requirements. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to discover more about how our services can help you achieve indoor allergy relief.