Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a typical problem for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover 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 inside. These contaminants generate 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 issues. 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 reliable strategies to reduce allergens is to enhance ventilation. Appropriate 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 remove heat, humidity and fumes.

• Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with fresh outdoor air through the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are made in a number of different styles. Some are created to clean the air in one room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also eliminate allergens using several different 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 circulating around the house.

• Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to replicate and reducing the circulation 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 interior.

• Electronic air cleaners possess negative ion generators that bind with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or become too heavy to continue to be airborne. Those that fall onto the floor can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

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

• Vacuum your home at least once a week utilizing a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove dust mites and other allergens 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.

• Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.

• Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other areas on a regular basis.

• 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 ideal humidity level is vital for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and irritated airways. Shoot for an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The quickest way to do this is to operate a whole-house humidifier during the dry winter and a whole-house dehumidifier throughout the humid summer.

Indoor Plants and Allergies

Indoor plants can increase IAQ by filtering out toxins and releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may encourage mold growth, aggravating indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties 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 helping our customers enjoy a healthy and comfortable home environment. With our technical know-how in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the ideal 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 attain indoor allergy relief.