Indoor allergies are a common challenge for millions of people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial part of controlling your allergies and creating a healthy, comfortable living environment. Here, you’ll discover useful 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 inside. These particles cause allergic reactions. When allergens are present in the air, they can lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more severe issues like asthma attacks and other breathing issues. Ventilation, air filtration, cleaning and other proactive actions are needed to reduce 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 techniques to reduce allergens is to enhance ventilation. Adequate inflow of fresh, outdoor air dramatically decreases the amount of allergens in your home. Here are some ventilation-increasing tricks to try:
- Open windows and doors when the weather allows.
- Run 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 stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air throughout the entire house.
Air Filtration and Purification Systems
Air filters and purifiers are available in a number of different styles. Some are created to clean the air in a single 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, preventing them from moving around the house.
- Germicidal UV lights deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, leaving them unable to replicate and reducing the distribution of germs throughout your home.
- Air purifiers with activated carbon filters remove odors and chemicals from the air, resulting in a clean, fresh-smelling household.
- Electronic air cleaners possess negative ion generators that bond with positively charged airborne particles. The particles then cling to charged metal plates or become too heavy to stay airborne. Those that descend onto the floor can be cleaned up by dusting and vacuuming.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is an essential step in limiting home allergens. Here are some recommended tips:
- Vacuum your home at least once a 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 kill dust mites and do away with other lingering allergens.
- Utilize allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
- Clean countertops, floors, furniture and other hard surfaces frequently.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to decrease dander buildup in the area where you sleep.
- Limit clutter and knickknacks, which collect dust and offer hiding places for allergens.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining the ideal humidity level is vital for dealing with indoor allergens. High humidity supports mold growth and dust mite populations, while low humidity contributes to dry skin and unhealthy airways. Aim to maintain an indoor relative humidity level from 30-50 percent. The easiest way to do this is to use a whole-house humidifier through 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 releasing oxygen. However, some plants produce irritating pollen, and giving them too much water may foster mold growth, aggravating indoor allergies. When selecting potted plants, opt for allergy-friendly varieties 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 helping our customers enjoy a healthy and comfortable home environment. With our expertise in indoor air quality solutions and your satisfaction guaranteed, we are a great 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 achieve indoor allergy relief.