Indoor Allergy Relief

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 find valuable 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 into your home. These allergens trigger 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 problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive measures are necessary to reduce the concentration 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 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 permits.
Run 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 clean outdoor air across the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are available in many different styles. Some are designed to clean the air in a single room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also clear away 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, preventing them from swirling around the house.
Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to replicate and reducing the circulation of germs throughout your home.
Air purifiers outfitted with activated carbon filters get rid of odors and chemicals from the air, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling household.
Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that bond with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or grow too heavy to continue to be airborne. Those that fall onto household surfaces can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a huge step in reducing indoor allergens. Here are some good 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 once a week in hot water to kill dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other areas regularly.
Keep pets out of your bedroom to minimize dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and create hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the recommended humidity level is fundamental for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity leads to dry skin and inflamed airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level from 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 increase IAQ by filtering out toxins and discharging oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may foster 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 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 creating a healthy and comfortable home environment for our customers. 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 learn more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.