How a home’s indoor air quality impacts seasonal allergies

Just over a quarter of the adult population (25.7%) in the U.S. has seasonal allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For millions of Americans that means springtime brings both the joys of sunshine and warmth, along with the not-so-fun allergy symptoms of sneezing, irritated eyes and congestion.

During this time of the year, most of the emphasis is placed on the pollen and irritants flying around in the air outside. But what about indoors? The surprising thing is the air inside can also have triggers for allergy sufferers. In fact, the EPA warns that some pollutants may have concentrations two to five times higher in the home compared to the outdoors. Here are five tips to improve indoor air quality and help keep the sniffles at bay.

Choose high-quality air filters

HVAC air filters are often seen as the first line of defense against indoor air pollutants. It’s important to replace HVAC filters regularly and to use the highest quality filters possible. Many consumers today opt for a HEPA filter, which removes 99.7% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or greater. These filters are trusted by hospitals and used in science labs.

There are other quality options as well, including media and electrostatic filters. A homeowner can learn which one may be best for their home by studying the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating scale, which rates a filter on a scale of 1-20 (20 being the highest). The system also clarifies for which environments a certain rating or type of filter is ideal.

Consider whole-home air filtration or ventilation systems

While newer homes are energy efficient, they are also very airtight, which means they can minimize circulation and trap irritants like dust, pollen and harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in household cleaners, flooring, furniture and many building products. A custom whole-home air filtration system or a whole-home ventilation system, which uses exhaust fans to bring fresh air into the home, are often welcomed by homeowners who have severe seasonal allergies.

“A whole-home system can make your home a sort of safety zone if you have severe allergies,” said Cary Reed, senior vice president and general manager of Service Experts. “Signs you may need a whole-home system may be constant headaches, congestion or sneezing, or if you can’t get rid of stuffy smells, if you have pets that shed, and a dusty home despite routine cleaning.”

Minimize dampness and moisture

Damp areas in the home can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can trigger symptoms for those with seasonal allergies. In the kitchen, put away pet bowls, wipe down wet areas any time water has been used, keep cabinets dry and clean vent hoods daily.

“If you live in a hot, humid environment, even if you are diligent about cleaning up, keeping moisture levels down may be difficult. If it’s a problem, you can invest in a dehumidifier system,” said Reed. “You can usually tell if you need one if you see things like windows fogging up, mold, stuffy odors, even water damage in areas of the home.”

Discover the benefits of using a UV germicidal light

Germicidal lights have been used to sterilize hospitals for decades and they’ve become very popular among asthma and allergy sufferers. A UV germicidal lamp system is ideal for hot and humid locations, which tend to promote bacterial growth. The system is usually placed inside the ductwork near your furnace, where it can kill bacteria, viruses and microorganisms within 10 seconds before they have a chance to circulate in the air around the home. It’s also great at wiping out old smells and airborne aerosols, pollen and pet dander.

Manage dust in bedrooms and living rooms

Bedrooms and living rooms are areas where homeowners typically have the majority of their household fabric, which can collect dust mites, dust and dander. Use either a microfiber or a damp cloth when wiping areas down. If there are ways to minimize fabric in the home, such as removing or replacing old rugs and carpets, that can also help. For parents with young kids, stuffed toys should be washed every week in water which is at least 130°F.

“If you have pets, it’s also a good idea to keep them bathed, especially if they are coming in and out of the home,” Reed said. “Having a pair of indoor and outdoor clothes you change in and out of may also help to minimize pollens and outdoor irritants getting into the home.”

To learn more about indoor air quality this season, visit https://www.serviceexperts.com/.

Members of the editorial and news staff of Paste BN Network were not involved in the creation of this content.