We spend a lot of time inside. As a matter of fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated being indoors comprises 90% of our days. Although, the EPA also has determined your indoor air can be three to five times dirtier than outdoors.

That’s because our houses are firmly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not so great if you’re among the 40% of the population with respiratory allergies.

When outdoor ventilation is limited, pollutants including dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may get captured. Consequently, these pollutants might aggravate your allergies.

You can enhance your indoor air quality with fresh air and usual housework and vacuuming. But if you’re still struggling with symptoms during the time you’re at home, an air purifier may be able to help.

While it can’t get rid of pollutants that have settled on your furnishings or flooring, it can help purify the air moving across your home.

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 may also be useful if you or a family member has a lung condition, including emphysema or COPD.

There are two models, a portable air purifier or a whole-home air purifier. We’ll go over the distinctions so you can learn what’s right 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 with your home comfort system to treat your complete home. Some kinds can work independent when your heating and cooling equipment isn’t running.

What’s the Best Air Purifier for Allergies?

Seek a purifier with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are placed in hospitals and offer the greatest filtration you can get, as they eliminate 99.97% of particles in the air.

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

Avoid getting an air purifier that generates ozone, which is the primary component in smog. The EPA advises ozone could aggravate respiratory troubles, even when released at minor settings.

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

  • What can this purifier remove from the air? What doesn’t it remove?
  • What’s its clean air delivery rate? (A bigger number means air will be cleaned more rapidly.)
  • How frequently does the filter or UV bulb need to be switched]? Can I do that without help?
  • How much do new filters or bulbs cost?

How to Reduce Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Want to have the {top|most excellent|best] results from your new air purification equipment? The Mayo Clinic recommends completing other procedures to limit your exposure to things that can trigger seasonal allergies.

  1. Stay in your home and keep windows and doors shut when pollen counts are elevated.
  2. Have someone else mow the lawn or pull weeds, since these tasks can trigger symptoms. If you must do these chores yourself, you might want to consider using a pollen mask. You should also bathe without delay and put on new clothes once you’re done.
  3. Avoid drying laundry outside.
  4. Run the AC while indoors or while you’re on the road. Consider using a high efficiency air filter in your residence’s heating and cooling system.
  5. Equalize your residence’s humidity levels with a whole-house dehumidifier.
  6. Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the best flooring materials for reducing indoor allergens. If your home has carpet, add a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.

Let Our Professionals Handle Your Indoor Air Quality Requirements

Ready to take the next step with adding a whole-house air purifier? Give our experts a call at 631-737-5566 or contact us online to request an appointment. We’ll help you locate the best equipment for your residence and budget.