Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a common condition 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 the house. These contaminants cause allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can result in 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 necessary 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 improve ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air dramatically decreases the amount 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 fresh outdoor air throughout the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are made in numerous different styles. Some are created to clean the air in an individual room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also eliminate allergens using several different methods:

Filtration systems—such as media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, stopping them from circulating through the house.
Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, rendering them unable to duplicate and reducing the distribution of germs throughout your home.
Air purifiers with activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, helping produce a clean, fresh-smelling interior.
Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that bind with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or are too heavy to continue to be airborne. Those that fall onto household surfaces can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a huge step in limiting home allergens. Here are some recommended recommendations:

Vacuum your home at least once a 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 destroy dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
Utilize 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 room 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 fundamental for managing indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and inflamed airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level ranging from 30-50 percent. The simplest 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 releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and giving them too much water may stimulate mold growth, aggravating indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly types 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 committed to helping our customers enjoy a healthy and comfortable home environment. With our wealth of experience in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are a great partner to fulfill all your IAQ requirements. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to learn more about how our services can help you achieve indoor allergy relief.