We spend a good majority of our time indoors. As a matter of fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated being indoors comprises 90% of our schedule. However, the EPA also has determined your indoor air can be three to five times worse than outdoors.
That’s since 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 among the 40% of the population with respiratory allergies.
When outdoors ventilation is limited, pollutants including dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can get captured. Consequently, these pollutants could aggravate your allergies.
You can improve your indoor air quality with crisp air and routine housework and vacuuming. But if you’re still having problems with symptoms while you’re at your residence, an air purifier could be able to help.
While it can’t eliminate pollutants that have landed on your furnishings or carpet, it may help freshen the air traveling throughout your home.
And air purification has also been scientifically proven to help lessen some allergic symptoms, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. It might also be appropriate if you or someone in your household 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 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 heating and cooling equipment to purify your full home. Some types can clean on their own when your HVAC equipment isn’t operating.
What’s the Best Air Purifier for Allergies?
Look for a purifier with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are used in hospitals and deliver the best filtration you can buy, as they trap 99.97% of particles in the air.
HEPA filters are even more useful when used with an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light. This mighty blend can wipe out dust, dander, pollen and mold, all of which are common allergens. For the best in air purification, consider a system that also has a carbon-based filter to eliminate household odors.
Avoid getting an air purifier that makes ozone, which is the primary component in smog. The EPA advises ozone could irritate respiratory troubles, even when released at small concentrations.
The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has compiled a listing of questions to think over when getting 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 cleaned more quickly.)
- How frequently 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 Lessen Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Want to get the {top|most excellent|best] results from your new air purification system? The Mayo Clinic suggests doing other steps to reduce your exposure to problems that can cause seasonal allergies.
- Stay inside and keep windows and doors shut when pollen counts are heightened.
- Have other family members cut the lawn or pull weeds, since these tasks can aggravate symptoms. If you are required to do these chores yourself, you may want to consider trying a pollen mask. You should also shower immediately and put on clean clothes once you’re finished.
- Avoid hanging laundry outside.
- Turn on your air conditioner while at your house or while driving. Consider installing a high efficiency air filter in your house’s heating and cooling system.
- Even out your home’s humidity levels with a whole-house dehumidifier.
- Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the best flooring types for decreasing indoor allergens. If your house has carpet, add a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.
Let Our Pros Take Care of Your Indoor Air Quality Needs
Prepared to take the next step with adding a whole-house air purifier? Give our specialists a call at 941-377-7956 or contact us online to request an appointment. We’ll help you choose the best unit for your residence and budget.