Indoor allergies are a common problem 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 learn 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 inside. These particles 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 such as asthma attacks and other breathing problems. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are needed 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 effective strategies to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air considerably decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather allows.
- Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to release heat, humidity and fumes.
- Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with fresh outdoor air throughout the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers are made in numerous different styles. Some are designed to clean the air in one room, while others integrate with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the house. They also remove 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 circulating around the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to reproduce and reducing the distribution 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 possess negative ion generators that adhere to 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 furniture can be eliminated by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is a huge step in limiting home allergens. Here are some recommended 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 clean out other lingering allergens.
- Choose allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces 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 recommended humidity level is vital for controlling indoor allergens. High humidity fosters mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and unhealthy airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level ranging from 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to use a whole-house humidifier in 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 watering them too often may encourage mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When choosing potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly types like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve 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 creating a healthy and comfortable home environment for our customers. With our expertise in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the ideal partner to fulfill all your IAQ needs. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to learn more about how our services can help you attain indoor allergy relief.