Indoor allergies are a continual condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of managing your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover invaluable information 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 inside. These particles generate 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 problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are essential 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 strategies to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather makes it possible.
- Turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to release heat, humidity and fumes.
- Buy a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stale indoor air with healthy outdoor air throughout the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers come in numerous different styles. Some are created to clean the air in a single room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also eliminate allergens using numerous techniques:
- Filtration systems—including media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, stopping them from moving around the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to replicate and reducing the distribution of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers outfitted with activated carbon filters get rid of odors and chemicals from the air, resulting in a clean, fresh-smelling house.
- Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that bond with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or are too heavy to continue to be airborne. Those that descend onto the floor can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a huge step in reducing household allergens. Here are some good steps:
- Vacuum your home at least once per 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.
- Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces regularly.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the area where you sleep.
- Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and create hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the ideal humidity level is fundamental for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and unhealthy airways. The goal should be to achieve 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 enhance IAQ by filtering out toxins and delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may stimulate mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When selecting 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 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 perfect 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.