Indoor Allergy Relief

Indoor allergies are a continual condition for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important part of reducing symptoms of your allergies and being able to reside in a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll find valuable strategies on how to improve IAQ for indoor allergy relief.

Understanding Indoor Allergies

Household 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 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 issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive steps are necessary to minimize the concentration of indoor allergens, improve indoor air quality and allow inhabitants to breathe easier.

Reducing Allergens Through Proper Ventilation

One of the best methods to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Proper inflow of fresh, outdoor air considerably decreases the number of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing techniques 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.
Purchase a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stale indoor air with healthy outdoor air across the entire house.

Air Filtration and Purification Systems

Air filters and purifiers are available in many different styles. Some are developed to clean the air in a single room, while others work with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire home. They also eliminate allergens using numerous methods:

Filtration systems—like 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, 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, contributing to a clean, fresh-smelling house.
Electronic air cleaners contain negative ion generators that bind with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or grow too heavy to continue to be airborne. Those that drop onto household surfaces can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.

Regular Cleaning

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

Vacuum your home at least once per week using 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 every seven days in hot water to eliminate dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to deter dust mites from accumulating.
Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces on a regular basis.
Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce dander buildup in the room where you sleep.
Control clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Maintaining the recommended humidity level is fundamental for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and inflamed airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The simplest 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 improve IAQ by filtering out toxins and delivering oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may foster mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When shopping for potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly species like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help improve indoor air quality and are unlikely 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 expertise in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the perfect 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 find indoor allergy relief.