Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a typical problem 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 find valuable 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 the house. These contaminants cause allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can lead to 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 minimize the amount of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.

Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation

One of the best techniques to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air dramatically 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 clear away heat, humidity and fumes.
Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stagnant indoor air with clean outdoor air through the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are available in numerous different styles. Some are designed to clean the air in a single room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also remove 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, preventing them from swirling around the house.
Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to replicate 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, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling household.
Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that bond with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or become too heavy to stay airborne. Those that descend onto the floor can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a huge step in decreasing indoor allergens. Here are some good steps:

Vacuum your home at least once per week with 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 every seven days in hot water to kill dust mites and clean out other lingering allergens.
Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces regularly.
Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the ideal humidity level is vital for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity leads to dry skin and unhealthy airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level ranging from 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to operate a whole-house humidifier during the dry winter and a whole-house dehumidifier throughout the humid summer.

Indoor Plants and Allergies

Indoor plants can improve IAQ by filtering out toxins and discharging oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and giving them too much water may stimulate mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve indoor air quality and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Indoor Air Quality Solutions in North America

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is committed to assisting our customers in creating a healthy and comfortable household. With our expertise 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 find out more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.