We spend lots of time indoors. As a matter of fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated being indoors makes up 90% of our days. However, the EPA also has found your indoor air can be three to five times worse than outside your home.
That’s because our homes are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your energy expenses, it’s not so good if you’re amid the 40% of the population with respiratory allergies.
When outdoor ventilation is limited, pollutants such as dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may get stuck. Consequently, these pollutants can irritate your allergies.
You can enhance your indoor air quality with fresh air and usual housework and vacuuming. But if you’re still having issues with symptoms during the time you’re at home, an air purifier might be able to provide relief.
While it can’t eliminate pollutants that have landed on your couch or flooring, it could help purify the air traveling throughout your house.
And air purification has also been scientifically verified to help lower 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 issues, like emphysema or COPD.
There are two models, a portable air purifier or a whole-home air purifier. We’ll discuss the advantages so you can figure out what’s appropriate for your home.
Whole-House Air Purifier vs. Portable Air Purifiers
A portable air purifier is for a lone room. A whole-house air purifier works alongside your home comfort unit to clean your entire home. Some types can clean independently when your heating and cooling unit isn’t on.
What’s the Best Air Purifier for Allergies?
Go after an option with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are placed 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 effective when combined with an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light. This dynamic blend can eliminate dust, dander, pollen and mold, all of which are standard allergens. For the ultimate in air purification, evaluate equipment that also has a carbon-based filter to reduce household odors.
Avoid getting an air purifier that generates ozone, which is the primary element in smog. The EPA cautions ozone may irritate respiratory issues, even when discharged at minor concentrations.
The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has compiled a checklist of questions to think over when buying an air purifier.
- What can this purifier extract from the air? What doesn’t it remove?
- What’s its clean air delivery rate? (A higher number means air will be freshened more rapidly.)
- How regularly does the filter or UV bulb need to be switched? Can I do that without help?
- How much do spare filters or bulbs cost?
How to Reduce Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Want to have the most excellent outcome from your new air purification equipment? The Mayo Clinic recommends taking other procedures to reduce your exposure to seasonal allergy triggers.
- Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed when pollen counts are elevated.
- Have other family members mow the lawn or pull weeds, since these jobs can aggravate symptoms. If you are required to do these chores alone, consider wearing a pollen mask. You should also shower immediately and change your clothes once you’re done.
- Avoid hanging laundry outside your home.
- Turn on your air conditioner while at home or while driving. Consider using a high-efficiency air filter in your house’s home comfort system.
- Equalize your house’s humidity levels with a whole-house dehumidifier.
- Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the suggested flooring materials for reducing indoor allergens. If your home has carpet, add a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.
Let Our Pros Manage Your Indoor Air Quality Necessities
Prepared to take the next step with getting a whole-house air purifier? Give our specialists a call at 928-251-4327 or contact us online to get an appointment. We’ll help you choose the best system for your family and budget.