We spend a lot of time in our homes. In reality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined being indoors accounts for 90% of our schedule. Having said that, the EPA also has found your indoor air can be three to five times dirtier than outdoors.

That’s because our residences are securely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is great for your utility expenses, it’s not so good if you’re a part of the 40% of the population with respiratory allergies.

When outdoor ventilation is limited, pollutants like dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can get trapped. As a result, these pollutants can irritate your allergies.

You can boost your indoor air quality with fresh air and regular dusting and vacuuming. But if you’re still having problems with symptoms during the time you’re at your house, an air purifier may be able to provide relief.

While it can’t eliminate pollutants that have gotten trapped in your couch or carpet, it can help freshen the air traveling across your house.

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 can also be appropriate if you or a family member has lung issues, like emphysema or COPD.

There are two models, a portable air purifier or a whole-home air purifier. We’ll discuss 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 lone room. A whole-house air purifier works with your home comfort equipment to clean your full house. Some kinds can work on their own when your home comfort system 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 used in hospitals and offer the greatest filtration you can get, as they trap 99.97% of particles in the air.

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

Avoid getting an air purifier that creates ozone, which is the top element in smog. The EPA warns ozone might worsen respiratory problems, even when released at low settings.

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

  • What can this purifier extract from the air? What doesn’t it take out?
  • What’s its clean air delivery rate? (A better amount means air will be purified faster.)
  • How regularly does the filter or UV bulb need to be changed]? Can I complete that without help?
  • How much do spare filters or bulbs cost?

How to Lessen Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Want to have the {top|most excellent|best] results from your new air purification unit? The Mayo Clinic suggests completing other measures to limit your exposure to problems that can cause seasonal allergies.

  1. Stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut when pollen counts are high.
  2. Have someone else cut the lawn or pull weeds, since these tasks can trigger symptoms. If you must do these chores alone, consider trying a pollen mask. You should also shower immediately and put on new clothes once you’re finished.
  3. Avoid hanging laundry outside your home.
  4. Run air conditioning while at home or while driving. Consider installing a high efficiency air filter in your home’s home comfort equipment.
  5. Equalize your residence’s humidity levels with a whole-house dehumidifier.
  6. Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the best flooring materials for decreasing indoor allergens. If your home has carpet, use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.

Let Our Specialists Handle Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

Prepared to move forward with installing a whole-house air purifier? Give our specialists a call at 251-471-2674 or contact us online to get an appointment. We’ll help you find the ideal unit for your residence and budget.