We spend lots of time inside. As a matter of fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approximated being inside makes up 90% of our time. Having said that, the EPA also says your indoor air can be three to five times dirtier than outdoors.

That’s due to the fact our residences are firmly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy expenses, it’s not so great if you’re among the 40% of the population with respiratory allergies.

When outdoors ventilation is limited, pollutants such as dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can get stuck. Consequently, these pollutants might aggravate your allergies.

You can enhance your indoor air quality with crisp air and usual housework and vacuuming. But if you’re still struggling with symptoms while you’re at your residence, an air purifier may be able to provide assistance.

While it can’t get rid of pollutants that have gotten trapped in your furnishings or flooring, it can help freshen the air moving throughout your home.

And air purification has also been scientifically confirmed to help lessen some allergic symptoms, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. It could also be useful if you or a family member has a lung condition, like emphysema or COPD.

There are two kinds, a portable air purifier or a whole-home air purifier. We’ll examine the advantages so you can determine what’s appropriate for your house.

Whole-House Air Purifier vs. Portable Air Purifiers

A portable air purifier is for a single room. A whole-house air purifier accompanies your HVAC unit to treat your entire home. Some models can purify 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 eliminate 99.97% of particles in the air.

HEPA filters are even more powerful when combined with an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light. This powerful combination can destroy dust, dander, pollen and mold, all of which are standard allergens. For the best in air purification, evaluate a unit that also has a carbon-based filter to decrease household odors.

Avoid using an air purifier that makes ozone, which is the top component in smog. The EPA cautions ozone might irritate respiratory issues, even when released at minor concentrations.

The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has compiled a listing of questions to consider when buying an air purifier.

  • What can this purifier take out from the air? What doesn’t it extract?
  • What’s its clean air delivery rate? (A better number means air will be freshened more quickly.)
  • How often does the filter or UV bulb need to be replaced]? Can I complete that on my own?
  • How much do spare filters or bulbs cost?

How to Lessen Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Want to receive the {top|most excellent|best] outcome from your new air purification equipment? The Mayo Clinic advises doing other measures to limit your exposure to things that can trigger seasonal allergies.

  1. Stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut when pollen counts are heightened.
  2. Have someone else cut the lawn or pull weeds, since this work can worsen symptoms. If you must do these chores on your own, you might want to consider using a pollen mask. You should also rinse off without delay and put on clean clothes once you’re finished.
  3. Avoid drying laundry outside.
  4. Turn on air conditioning while indoors or while in the car. Consider installing a high efficiency air filter in your house’s home comfort equipment.
  5. Even out your house’s humidity levels with a whole-house dehumidifier.
  6. Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the ideal flooring types for lowering indoor allergens. If your house has carpet, use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.

Let Our Pros Manage Your Indoor Air Quality Requirements

Prepared to progress with getting a whole-house air purifier? Give our specialists a call at 785-269-0465 or contact us online to request an appointment. We’ll help you choose the right system for your family and budget.