We spend lots of time indoors. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined being within a building makes up 90% of our days. However, the EPA also has found your indoor air can be three to five times worse than outdoors.

That’s due to the fact our residences are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your energy expenses, it’s not so fantastic if you’re a part of the 40% of the population with respiratory allergies.

When outdoor ventilation is restricted, pollutants including dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could get stuck. Consequently, these pollutants can worsen your allergies.

You can boost your indoor air quality with fresh air and regular dusting and vacuuming. But if you’re still having issues with symptoms while you’re at home, an air purifier might be able to help.

While it can’t remove pollutants that have gotten trapped in your furniture or carpet, it might help clean the air circulating 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 could also be useful if you or a loved one has lung issues, such as emphysema or COPD.

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

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 purify your complete house. Some kinds can purify on their own when your home comfort equipment isn’t on.

What’s the Best Air Purifier for Allergies?

Go after a purifier with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are used in hospitals and deliver the best filtration you can find, as they eliminate 99.97% of particles in the air.

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

Avoid buying an air purifier that creates ozone, which is the top element in smog. The EPA warns ozone may worsen respiratory troubles, even when discharged at small amounts.

The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has made a list of questions to think over when buying an air purifier.

  • What can this purifier remove from the air? What doesn’t it take out?
  • What’s its clean air delivery rate? (A better number means air will be cleaned faster.)
  • How frequently does the filter or UV bulb need to be switched]? Can I complete that on my own?
  • 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 equipment? The Mayo Clinic suggests completing other steps to limit your exposure to problems that can cause seasonal allergies.

  1. Stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut when pollen counts are heightened.
  2. Have other family members mow the lawn or pull weeds, since these jobs can irritate symptoms. If you have to do these chores yourself, consider trying a pollen mask. You should also shower right away and change your clothes once you’re completed.
  3. Avoid drying laundry outside.
  4. Run the AC while indoors or while driving. Consider using a high efficiency air filter in your residence’s heating and cooling system.
  5. Balance your home’s humidity saturation with a whole-house dehumidifier.
  6. Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the best flooring kinds for lowering indoor allergens. If your house has carpet, add a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.

Let Our Pros Handle Your Indoor Air Quality Necessities

Ready to move forward with installing a whole-house air purifier? Give our professionals a call at 510-343-9841 or contact us online to request an appointment. We’ll help you locate the ideal equipment for your house and budget.