Indoor allergies are a typical condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn useful strategies 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 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 including asthma attacks and other breathing problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures are essential to decrease the concentration 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 enhance 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 allows.
- Turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to remove heat, humidity and fumes.
- Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stagnant indoor air with healthy outdoor air throughout the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers are available in a number of different styles. Some are created 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 numerous methods:
- Filtration systems—including media filters, electrostatic filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters—capture airborne particles in tightly woven material, preventing them from circulating throughout 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, helping produce a clean, fresh-smelling house.
- Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that adhere to positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or grow too heavy to remain airborne. Those that fall onto the floor can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a huge step in reducing home allergens. Here are some suggested recommendations:
- Vacuum your home at least once per week using 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 every seven days in hot water to destroy dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
- Use allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces on a regular basis.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to minimize 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 recommended humidity level is imperative for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity leads to dry skin and unhealthy airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The simplest way to do this is to run 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 stimulate mold growth, adding to indoor allergies. When choosing 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 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 perfect partner to fulfill all your IAQ desires. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to find out more about how our services can help you achieve indoor allergy relief.