We spend lots of time indoors. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined being indoors accounts for 90% of our schedule. Although, the EPA also says your indoor air can be three to five times dirtier than outdoors.
That’s due to the fact our homes are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not so fantastic if you’re among the 40% of the population with respiratory allergies.
When outside ventilation is insufficient, pollutants including dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) might get captured. Consequently, these pollutants could irritate your allergies.
You can improve your indoor air quality with crisp air and regular cleaning and vacuuming. But if you’re still struggling with symptoms during the time you’re at your house, an air purifier could be able to provide assistance.
While it can’t eliminate pollutants that have gotten trapped in your furnishings or flooring, it may help clean the air traveling throughout your house.
And air purification has also been scientifically verified to help reduce some allergic symptoms, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. It could also be useful if you or a loved one has lung trouble, including emphysema or COPD.
There are two models, a portable air purifier or a whole-home air purifier. We’ll discuss the differences so you can determine what’s appropriate for your home.
Whole-House Air Purifier vs. Portable Air Purifiers
A portable air purifier is for a single room. A whole-house air purifier accompanies your heating and cooling unit to treat your full house. Some kinds can purify by themselves when your heating and cooling unit isn’t operating.
What’s the Best Air Purifier for Allergies?
Seek a model with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are used in hospitals and deliver the greatest filtration you can buy, as they eliminate 99.97% of particles in the air.
HEPA filters are even more beneficial when combined with an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light. This mighty blend can eliminate dust, dander, pollen and mold, all of which are standard allergens. For the best in air purification, consider a unit that also has a carbon-based filter to eliminate household vapors.
Avoid using an air purifier that makes ozone, which is the primary component in smog. The EPA warns ozone may worsen respiratory problems, even when emitted at minor settings.
The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has compiled a list of questions to ask when buying an air purifier.
- What can this purifier take out from the air? What doesn’t it take out?
- What’s its clean air delivery rate? (A better amount means air will be purified more quickly.)
- How often does the filter or UV bulb need to be replaced]? Can I finish that on my own?
- How much do new filters or bulbs cost?
How to Lessen Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Want to get the {top|most excellent|best] results from your new air purification unit? The Mayo Clinic suggests completing other procedures to limit your exposure to seasonal allergy triggers.
- Stay inside and keep windows and doors closed when pollen counts are elevated.
- Have someone else cut the lawn or pull weeds, since these tasks can worsen symptoms. If you have to do these chores alone, consider trying a pollen mask. You should also rinse off immediately and put on clean clothes once you’re finished.
- Avoid drying laundry outside.
- Run the AC while at home or while in the car. Consider installing a high efficiency air filter in your house’s HVAC equipment.
- Even out your residence’s humidity percentage with a whole-house dehumidifier.
- Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the ideal flooring kinds for decreasing indoor allergens. If your home has carpet, add a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.
Let Our Pros Handle Your Indoor Air Quality Necessities
Want to take the next step with installing a whole-house air purifier? Give our specialists a call at (616) 319-1436 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you choose the best system for your home and budget.
