We spend a good majority of our time inside. As a matter of fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated being indoors comprises 90% of our time. Having said that, the EPA also says your indoor air can be three to five times worse than outdoors.
That’s due to the fact our homes are firmly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy bills, it’s not so good if you’re a part of the 40% of the population with respiratory allergies.
When outdoor ventilation is insufficient, pollutants like dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) might get captured. As a consequence, these pollutants could irritate your allergies.
You can improve your indoor air quality with clean air and usual housework and vacuuming. But if you’re still having issues with symptoms while you’re at home, an air purifier may be able to provide assistance.
While it can’t get rid of pollutants that have settled on your furnishings or flooring, it might help freshen the air moving across your home.
And air purification has also been scientifically proven to help lower some allergic symptoms, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. It may also be useful if you or a loved one has a lung condition, including emphysema or COPD.
There are two kinds, a portable air purifier or a whole-home air purifier. We’ll go over the differences so you can learn what’s correct for your house.
Whole-House Air Purifier vs. Portable Air Purifiers
A portable air purifier is for one room. A whole-house air purifier works alongside your home comfort system to clean your entire home. Some kinds can work on their own when your HVAC system isn’t operating.
What’s the Best Air Purifier for Allergies?
Seek a purifier with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are used in hospitals and deliver the greatest filtration you can find, as they remove 99.97% of particles in the air.
HEPA filters are even more beneficial when used with an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light. This powerful combination can destroy dust, dander, pollen and mold, all of which are general allergens. For the greatest in air purification, think over equipment that also has a carbon-based filter to take care of household smells.
Avoid buying an air purifier that makes ozone, which is the main component in smog. The EPA warns ozone could worsen respiratory issues, even when emitted at minor concentrations.
The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has compiled a list of questions to ask when purchasing an air purifier.
- What can this purifier remove from the air? What doesn’t it remove?
- What’s its clean air delivery rate? (A higher amount means air will be purified more quickly.)
- How regularly does the filter or UV bulb need to be switched? Can I complete that without help?
- How much do replacement filters or bulbs cost?
How to Lessen Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Want to get the best results from your new air purification unit? The Mayo Clinic suggests taking other procedures to limit your exposure to seasonal allergy triggers.
- Stay inside and keep windows and doors sealed when pollen counts are heightened.
- Have other family members mow the lawn or pull weeds, since these jobs can trigger symptoms. If you have to do these jobs yourself, consider using a pollen mask. You should also rinse off immediately and change your clothes once you’re done.
- Avoid stringing up laundry outside your home.
- Turn on your air conditioner while at your house or while driving. Consider installing a high-efficiency air filter in your house’s HVAC system.
- Balance your house’s humidity saturation with a whole-house dehumidifier.
- Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the best flooring types for reducing indoor allergens. If your house has carpet, use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.
Let Our Specialists Take Care of Your Indoor Air Quality Requirements
Ready to take the next step with installing a whole-house air purifier? Give our pros a call at 715-301-0727 or contact us online to request an appointment. We’ll help you find the best system for your family and budget.