Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a typical 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 discover invaluable strategies 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 into your home. These allergens cause 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 issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are needed to reduce the concentration of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.

Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation

One of the most reliable strategies to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the quantity of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:

Open windows and doors when the weather permits.
Turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to release heat, humidity and fumes.
Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with fresh outdoor air through the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are available in many different styles. Some are developed to clean the air in one room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also eliminate allergens using numerous techniques:

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 moving throughout the house.
Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to reproduce and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.
Air purifiers outfitted with activated carbon filters remove 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 continue to be airborne. Those that drop onto the floor can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in decreasing household allergens. Here are some suggested steps:

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 kill dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other areas on a regular basis.
Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
Reduce clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the appropriate humidity level is vital for managing indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and unhealthy airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to operate a whole-house humidifier in 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 delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may encourage mold growth, adding 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 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 a great partner to fulfill all your IAQ needs. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to find out more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.