Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a typical problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find invaluable strategies on how to improve IAQ for indoor allergy relief.

Understanding Indoor Allergies

Indoor 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 cause allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can induce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues including asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures are needed to minimize the concentration of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.

Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation

One of the best strategies to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Adequate inflow of fresh, outdoor air dramatically decreases the quantity of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:

Open windows and doors when the weather permits.
Run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to remove heat, humidity and fumes.
Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stagnant indoor air with fresh outdoor air through the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are made in numerous different styles. Some are developed to clean the air in one room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also eliminate allergens using a variety of techniques:

Filtration systems—such as media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from moving around the house.
Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to reproduce and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
Air purifiers that use activated carbon filters get rid of odors and chemicals from the air, resulting in a clean, fresh-smelling household.
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 fall onto household surfaces can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

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

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 once a week in hot water to kill dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to stop dust mites from accumulating.
Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other areas on a regular basis.
Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the ideal humidity level is fundamental for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity leads to dry skin and inflamed airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to operate 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 releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and giving them too much water may foster mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help raise 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 devoted to creating a healthy and comfortable home environment for our customers. With our expertise 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 learn more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.