Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a continual condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of managing your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover valuable 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 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 such as asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are necessary to decrease the level of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.

Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation

One of the most effective methods to reduce allergens is to increase ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air significantly decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing steps to try:

Open windows and doors when the weather allows.
Use 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 stale indoor air with healthy 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 designed to clean the air in one room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also clear away 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, blocking 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 remove odors and chemicals from the air, helping produce a clean, fresh-smelling interior.
Electronic air cleaners have negative ion generators that bind with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or are too heavy to stay airborne. Those that drop onto furniture can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in lowering indoor allergens. Here are some good tips:

Vacuum your home at least once per week with 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 weekly in hot water to kill dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.
Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces regularly.
Keep pets out of your bedroom to minimize dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and create hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the ideal humidity level is fundamental for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity results in dry skin and irritated airways. The goal should be to achieve an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The simplest way to do this is to use a whole-house humidifier during 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 overwatering them may stimulate mold growth, aggravating indoor allergies. When shopping for potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help increase indoor air quality and are less 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 expertise in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the ideal partner to fulfill all your IAQ requirements. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to discover more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.