What Does Air Quality Have to Do with Allergies?

It’s not that outdoor allergens aren’t a problem (indoor allergens are often brought in from outside). The fact that they’re often more concentrated inside homes, offices, and other buildings mean they can have a greater effect. Pollutants also are recirculated by your HVAC system. You are then constantly exposed to the same allergens, again and again, causing your immune system to continue to overreact. These allergens blow out of your heating and cooling vents, remain suspended in the air and settle on floors, carpets, counters, and various surfaces at home.

What Causes Bad Indoor Air Quality

Common causes of indoor air quality issues, which can be harmful in high levels, include:

• Pollen: As flowers bloom in spring, pollen can enter your home through doors, windows, and holes in your HVAC ducts; this is a common cause of indoor allergies.
• Mold and Mildew: Can grow anywhere there is moisture or humidity and cause musty odors, property damage, and release of toxins that can lead to acute symptoms and chronic health conditions.
• Bacteria: Can be carried in by people and pets, soil and plant debris, and pests, in which case pathogens can be spread throughout the home.
• Pet Dander: Pet allergies are caused by dander, which is cells shed from an animal’s skin that can accumulate in carpets, bedding, and pet toys.
• Dust: Can be highly irritating to your respiratory tract, contain harmful contaminants, and attract dust mites; dust can accumulate quickly on carpets, window treatments, and bedding.
• More: Chemicals in household cleaning products, debris from construction materials, allergens from house plants, tobacco smoke, indoor humidity, and even particles from smog can contribute to bad indoor air quality.

How to Fight Against Allergies

From an indoor air quality perspective, here is how to get rid of allergens in your home:

Maintain HVAC Filters

Air filters improve indoor air quality by trapping particles; HEPA filters trap even finer particles. When HVAC filters are cleaned/changed regularly, it can keep allergens out of your home and improve efficiency.

Get Your Ductwork Clean

Various allergens can build up in your duct system and circulate into your home. If your local HVAC company offers a duct cleaning service, schedule a visit to have your ducts vacuum cleaned.

Schedule a Spring AC Cleaning

During routine service, a contractor should clean the coils, as any dust or debris can affect AC performance. A simple cleaning can allow it to run at peak efficiency and reduce the risk of future problems.

Clean Your Pets Outside of House

Pet dander is a top cause of allergies in the air. Brush or wash your dog/cat outside so pet dander isn’t released into indoor air and doesn’t settle on surfaces.

Consider Installing Air Purifiers

An air purifier that uses UV light, ozone, heat, or negative ions can sanitize your home’s air, reduce odors, and eliminate substances that make your allergies worse.

Contact Fix-It 24/7

At Fix-It 24/7, we provide 24-hour HVAC service near you in the Denver metro area. We can help if you are experiencing increased allergy symptoms at home. Indoor air quality services are available, including ductwork inspection, cleaning, and repair; our licensed technicians can provide the latest solutions to help deal with your indoor allergies. Call us at (303) 214-0277 to schedule service.