We spend a good majority of our time indoors. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated being indoors 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 since our homes are securely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not so fantastic if you’re among the 40% of the population with respiratory allergies.

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

You can improve your indoor air quality with clean air and regular housework and vacuuming. But if you’re still struggling with symptoms when you’re at your house, an air purifier might be able to provide assistance.

While it can’t eliminate pollutants that have settled on your furniture or flooring, it can help clean the air traveling across your residence.

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

There are two models, a portable air purifier or a whole-home air purifier. We’ll examine the distinctions so you can figure out 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 works alongside your HVAC unit to treat your full home. Some types can work on their own when your heating and cooling unit isn’t operating.

What’s the Best Air Purifier for Allergies?

Seek an option with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are used in hospitals and deliver the greatest filtration you can buy, as they catch 99.97% of particles in the air.

HEPA filters are even more beneficial when used with an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light. This mighty combination can eliminate dust, dander, pollen and mold, all of which are general allergens. For the greatest in air purification, think over a unit that also has a carbon-based filter to decrease household odors.

Avoid getting an air purifier that makes ozone, which is the primary component in smog. The EPA cautions ozone may aggravate respiratory problems, even when emitted at small settings.

The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has created a listing of questions to think over 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 bigger figure means air will be freshened faster.)
  • How frequently does the filter or UV bulb need to be changed]? Can I do that without help?
  • How much do replacement filters or bulbs cost?

How to Lessen Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Want to get the {top|most excellent|best] performance from your new air purification equipment? The Mayo Clinic recommends doing other steps to decrease your exposure to problems that can cause seasonal allergies.

  1. Stay indoors and keep windows and doors sealed when pollen counts are heightened.
  2. Have someone else cut the lawn or pull weeds, since these jobs can worsen symptoms. If you must do this work alone, consider using a pollen mask. You should also bathe immediately and change your clothes once you’re done.
  3. Avoid drying laundry outdoors.
  4. Use the AC while at home or while in the car. Consider installing a high efficiency air filter in your residence’s home comfort equipment.
  5. Equalize your home’s humidity percentage with a whole-house dehumidifier.
  6. Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the suggested 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 Needs

Prepared to progress with installing a whole-house air purifier? Give our experts a call at 641-316-9803 or contact us online to get an appointment. We’ll help you find the best system for your home and budget.