Indoor allergies are a typical challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical part of controlling your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll learn 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 inside. These allergens trigger 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 actions are essential 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 reliable strategies to reduce allergens is to improve ventilation. Appropriate inflow of fresh, outdoor air substantially decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather permits.
- Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when showering or cooking to remove heat, humidity and fumes.
- Install a whole-home ventilation system to evenly exchange stuffy indoor air with clean outdoor air throughout the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers come in a number of different styles. Some are developed to clean the air in one room, while others operate in conjunction with the HVAC system for healthier air throughout the entire house. They also clear away 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, blocking them from moving around the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, making them unable to reproduce 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 possess negative ion generators that bind with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or become too heavy to stay airborne. Those that drop onto the floor can be removed by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is an essential step in reducing home allergens. Here are some suggested recommendations:
- Vacuum your home at least once a week utilizing 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 once a week in hot water to destroy dust mites and remove other lingering allergens.
- Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other surfaces frequently.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease dander buildup in the place where you sleep.
- Reduce clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer 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 leads to dry skin and inflamed airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level between 30-50 percent. The simplest way to do this is to run 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 releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and overwatering them may encourage mold growth, contributing to indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly types like spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms, which help raise indoor air quality and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions in North America
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is dedicated to assisting our customers in creating a healthy and comfortable household. With our wealth of experience in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are the perfect partner to fulfill all your IAQ requirements. Contact a Service Experts office near you today to find out more about how our services can help you find indoor allergy relief.