Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a continual challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of managing your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover valuable strategies 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. These particles generate allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues such as asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are needed to decrease 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 methods to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:

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

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers come in a number of 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 entire home. They also eliminate allergens using several different tactics:

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 through the house.
Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to reproduce and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.
Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, resulting in 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 grow too heavy to remain airborne. Those that fall onto the floor can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is an essential step in limiting indoor allergens. Here are some recommended recommendations:

Vacuum your home at least once per week with 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 clean out other lingering allergens.
Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to stop 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 area where you sleep.
Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the appropriate 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. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The simplest 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 enhance IAQ by filtering out toxins and discharging oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and watering them too often may foster 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 unlikely to cause allergic reactions.

Indoor Air Quality Solutions in North America

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is devoted 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 the perfect partner to fulfill all your IAQ needs. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to discover more about how our services can help you achieve indoor allergy relief.