We spend lots of time in our homes. As a matter of fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approximated being indoors accounts for 90% of our days. Although, the EPA also says your indoor air can be three to five times more polluted than outdoors.

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

When outdoor ventilation is limited, pollutants such as dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may get stuck. As a result, these pollutants could irritate your allergies.

You can boost your indoor air quality with clean air and regular cleaning and vacuuming. But if you’re still having problems with symptoms during the time you’re at home, an air purifier could be able to provide assistance.

While it can’t remove pollutants that have gotten trapped in your furniture or carpeting, it may help clean the air traveling across your residence.

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 helpful if you or a family member has lung issues, like emphysema or COPD.

There are two kinds, 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 home.

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 heating and cooling unit to clean your entire house. Some types can clean independent when your heating and cooling equipment isn’t on.

What’s the Best Air Purifier for Allergies?

Go after a model with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are installed 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 useful when combined with an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light. This powerful blend can destroy 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 reduce household smells.

Avoid getting an air purifier that generates ozone, which is the primary element in smog. The EPA advises ozone might worsen respiratory troubles, even when emitted at low settings.

The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has made a listing of questions to think over when getting 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 bigger figure means air will be purified more quickly.)
  • How often does the filter or UV bulb need to be switched]? Can I complete that without help?
  • How much do replacement filters or bulbs cost?

How to Reduce 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 decrease your exposure to problems that can cause seasonal allergies.

  1. Stay in your home and keep windows and doors sealed when pollen counts are elevated.
  2. Have other household members mow the lawn or pull weeds, since these jobs can irritate symptoms. If you must do these jobs yourself, you may want to consider trying a pollen mask. You should also shower right away and change your clothes once you’re done.
  3. Avoid drying laundry outside your home.
  4. Turn on the AC while indoors or while you’re on the road. Consider using a high efficiency air filter in your home’s home comfort unit.
  5. Balance your home’s humidity levels with a whole-house dehumidifier.
  6. Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the best flooring types for lowering indoor allergens. If your home has carpet, use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.

Let Our Pros Take Care of Your Indoor Air Quality Necessities

Ready to move forward with getting a whole-house air purifier? Give our experts a call at 605-206-3766 or contact us online to request an appointment. We’ll help you choose the best equipment for your house and budget.