Indoor allergies are a continual challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover useful strategies 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 result in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues like asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures are necessary to reduce the amount 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 increase ventilation. Adequate inflow of fresh, outdoor air substantially decreases the number of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing steps to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather permits.
- Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to remove heat, humidity and fumes.
- Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stale indoor air with healthy outdoor air through the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers are available in numerous different styles. Some are created to clean the air in an individual room, while others operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire home. They also eliminate allergens using several different techniques:
- Filtration systems—including 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, leaving them unable to reproduce and reducing the distribution of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers with activated carbon filters get rid of odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling household.
- Electronic air cleaners possess negative ion generators that bind with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or are too heavy to remain airborne. Those that drop onto household surfaces can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a huge step in reducing home allergens. Here are some recommended tips:
- Vacuum your home at least every 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 every seven days in hot water to kill dust mites and clean out other lingering allergens.
- Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces regularly.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
- Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and provide hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the recommended humidity level is vital for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and inflamed airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to run a whole-house humidifier during 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 encourage mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties 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 dedicated to helping our customers enjoy a healthy and comfortable home environment. With our expertise in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the ideal 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 attain indoor allergy relief.