Indoor allergies are a common condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of managing your allergies and ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn valuable information 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. These contaminants cause allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can lead to 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 minimize 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 techniques to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air considerably decreases the quantity 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.
- Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stale 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 operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also eliminate allergens using a variety of methods:
- Filtration systems—including media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, stopping them from swirling throughout 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 that use 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 become too heavy to remain airborne. Those that descend onto household surfaces can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a huge step in lowering indoor allergens. Here are some suggested steps:
- Vacuum your home at least once a week utilizing 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 eliminate dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
- Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces frequently.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to minimize 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 recommended humidity level is imperative for managing indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity leads to dry skin and inflamed airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to use 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 stimulate mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When shopping for potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve 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 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 desires. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to discover more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.