Indoor allergies are a continual challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of controlling your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover valuable information 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 inside the house. These particles generate 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 difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions 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 increase ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air considerably decreases the number 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 clear away heat, humidity and fumes.
- Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stale indoor air with clean outdoor air throughout the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers come in a number of different styles. Some are developed 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 numerous techniques:
- Filtration systems—like media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from swirling through the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving 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 household.
- Electronic air cleaners have negative ion generators that adhere to positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or are too heavy to stay airborne. Those that descend onto household surfaces can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a huge step in decreasing indoor allergens. Here are some suggested steps:
- Vacuum your home at least once per week with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to remove dust mites and other irritants 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 remove other lingering allergens.
- Choose 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 reduce dander buildup in the area where you sleep.
- Reduce clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the correct humidity level is vital for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and unhealthy airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level between 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 improve IAQ by filtering out toxins and discharging oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and watering them too often may encourage 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 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 creating a healthy and comfortable home environment for our customers. With our technical know-how 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 discover more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.