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

That’s due to the fact our homes are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not so great if you’re among the 40% of the population with respiratory allergies.

When outdoors ventilation is restricted, pollutants like dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may get trapped. Consequently, these pollutants can aggravate your allergies.

You can boost your indoor air quality with fresh air and routine dusting and vacuuming. But if you’re still having issues with symptoms when you’re at your house, an air purifier may be able to provide assistance.

While it can’t remove pollutants that have landed on your furnishings or flooring, it can help clean the air traveling across your home.

And air purification has also been scientifically confirmed to help lessen some allergic symptoms, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. It can also be appropriate if you or someone in your household 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 differences 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 alongside your heating and cooling unit to clean your complete house. Some types can clean independent when your HVAC system isn’t running.

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 deliver the best 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 dynamic combination can eliminate dust, dander, pollen and mold, all of which are standard allergens. For the greatest in air purification, think over equipment 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 could irritate respiratory issues, even when released at small amounts.

The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has compiled a checklist of questions to ask when buying 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 amount means air will be purified more rapidly.)
  • How often does the filter or UV bulb need to be changed]? Can I finish that by myself?
  • How much do replacement filters or bulbs cost?

How to Decrease Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Want to get the {top|most excellent|best] results from your new air purification unit? The Mayo Clinic suggests doing other steps to decrease your exposure to seasonal allergy triggers.

  1. Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed when pollen counts are high.
  2. Have other family members mow the lawn or pull weeds, since this work can irritate symptoms. If you are required to do this work alone, consider using a pollen mask. You should also bathe immediately and put on new clothes once you’re done.
  3. Avoid hanging laundry outside.
  4. Use air conditioning while at your house or while driving. Consider adding a high efficiency air filter in your house’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 kinds for decreasing indoor allergens. If your house has carpet, use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.

Let Our Specialists Manage Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

Want to progress with getting a whole-house air purifier? Give our professionals a call at 201-579-2562 or contact us online to request an appointment. We’ll help you find the right equipment for your residence and budget.