We spend lots of time inside. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated being within a building makes up 90% of our schedule. Although, the EPA also says your indoor air can be three to five times more polluted than outside your home.

That’s because our homes are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your utility expenses, it’s not so great if you’re among 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 consequence, these pollutants might worsen your allergies.

You can enhance your indoor air quality with crisp air and routine housework and vacuuming. But if you’re still having issues with symptoms during the time you’re at your house, an air purifier may be able to provide assistance.

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

And air purification has also been scientifically proven to help lessen some allergic symptoms, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. It might also be appropriate if you or a loved one has lung trouble, including emphysema or COPD.

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

Whole-House Air Purifier vs. Portable Air Purifiers

A portable air purifier is for a single room. A whole-house air purifier accompanies your heating and cooling system to purify your full house. Some models can purify by themselves when your heating and cooling unit isn’t on.

What’s the Best Air Purifier for Allergies?

Look for an option with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are placed in hospitals and deliver the greatest filtration you can find, as they eliminate 99.97% of particles in the air.

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

Avoid using an air purifier that makes ozone, which is the main ingredient in smog. The EPA warns ozone may irritate respiratory issues, even when emitted at low concentrations.

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

  • What can this purifier remove from the air? What doesn’t it remove?
  • What’s its clean air delivery rate? (A better figure means air will be freshened faster.)
  • How frequently does the filter or UV bulb need to be replaced]? Can I do that on my own?
  • How much do replacement filters or bulbs cost?

How to Lessen Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Want to get the {top|most excellent|best] outcome from your new air purification system? The Mayo Clinic suggests taking other measures to reduce your exposure to problems that can cause seasonal allergies.

  1. Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed when pollen counts are elevated.
  2. Have someone else cut the lawn or pull weeds, since this work can aggravate symptoms. If you are required to do these jobs on your own, consider trying a pollen mask. You should also shower right away and put on new clothes once you’re done.
  3. Avoid hanging laundry outside your home.
  4. Use the AC while at your house or while in the car. Consider adding a high efficiency air filter in your home’s heating and cooling system.
  5. Equalize your house’s humidity levels with a whole-house dehumidifier.
  6. Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the best flooring kinds for reducing indoor allergens. If your residence has carpet, use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.

Let Our Pros Manage Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

Prepared to progress with getting a whole-house air purifier? Give our specialists a call at 256-270-1196 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you locate the ideal equipment for your family and budget.