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 ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find valuable insight on how to improve IAQ for indoor allergy relief.

Understanding Indoor Allergies

Inside 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 trigger 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 issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures 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 effective techniques to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air considerably 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 remove heat, humidity and fumes.
Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with healthy outdoor air throughout the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers come in numerous different styles. Some are created to clean the air in a single room, while others operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also remove allergens using a variety of tactics:

Filtration systems—including media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, blocking them from moving around the house.
Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to replicate and reducing the spread of germs throughout your home.
Air purifiers outfitted with activated carbon filters eliminate odors and chemicals from the air, resulting in a clean, fresh-smelling house.
Electronic air cleaners have 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 drop onto furniture can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

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

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 once a week in hot water to destroy 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 hard surfaces frequently.
Keep pets out of your bedroom to minimize dander buildup in the room where you sleep.
Reduce clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the recommended humidity level is fundamental for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and irritated airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to run a whole-house humidifier through 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 overwatering them may stimulate mold growth, aggravating indoor allergies. When shopping for potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly types like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve indoor air quality and are not as 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 technical know-how 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 learn more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.