We spend lots of time inside. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approximated being inside makes up 90% of our schedule. Although, the EPA also has found your indoor air can be three to five times dirtier than outdoors.

That’s because our homes are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility expenses, it’s not so great 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 trapped. Consequently, these pollutants could aggravate your allergies.

You can improve your indoor air quality with fresh air and regular housework and vacuuming. But if you’re still struggling with symptoms during the time you’re at your residence, an air purifier could be able to help.

While it can’t get rid of pollutants that have gotten trapped in your furnishings or carpet, it can help clean the air traveling across your home.

And air purification has also been scientifically confirmed 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 family member has lung issues, including emphysema or COPD.

There are two options, a portable air purifier or a whole-home air purifier. We’ll examine the distinctions so you can learn what’s appropriate for your residence.

Whole-House Air Purifier vs. Portable Air Purifiers

A portable air purifier is for a single room. A whole-house air purifier works with your home comfort unit to clean your entire home. Some kinds can purify on their own when your heating and cooling equipment isn’t operating.

What’s the Best Air Purifier for Allergies?

Look for an option with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are installed in hospitals and offer the best filtration you can buy, as they eliminate 99.97% of particles in the air.

HEPA filters are even more useful when used with an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light. This dynamic mixture can destroy dust, dander, pollen and mold, all of which are common allergens. For the ultimate in air purification, consider equipment that also has a carbon-based filter to eliminate household vapors.

Avoid getting an air purifier that creates ozone, which is the main ingredient in smog. The EPA warns ozone may aggravate respiratory troubles, even when emitted at small amounts.

The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has compiled a checklist 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 bigger 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 replacement filters or bulbs cost?

How to Lessen Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Want to get the {top|most excellent|best] outcome from your new air purification system? The Mayo Clinic suggests doing other steps to limit your exposure to problems that can cause seasonal allergies.

  1. Stay inside and keep windows and doors closed when pollen counts are heightened.
  2. Have other household members mow the lawn or pull weeds, since these jobs can aggravate symptoms. If you must do this work alone, you may want to consider trying a pollen mask. You should also shower immediately and put on clean clothes once you’re done.
  3. Avoid stringing up laundry outside.
  4. Use the AC while indoors or while you’re on the road. Consider installing a high efficiency air filter in your house’s HVAC equipment.
  5. Equalize your house’s humidity levels with a whole-house dehumidifier.
  6. Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the ideal flooring kinds for reducing indoor allergens. If your home has carpet, add a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.

Let Our Pros Handle Your Indoor Air Quality Necessities

Ready to progress with getting a whole-house air purifier? Give our professionals a call at 713-364-9957 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you find the best equipment for your family and budget.