We spend a lot of time in our homes. As a matter of fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined being within a building comprises 90% of our time. Having said that, the EPA also says your indoor air can be three to five times more polluted than outdoors.

That’s due to the fact our homes are firmly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your utility bills, it’s not so great if you’re amid the 40% of the population with respiratory allergies.

When outside ventilation is limited, pollutants like dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may get trapped. Consequently, these pollutants may worsen your allergies.

You can boost your indoor air quality with crisp air and usual housework and vacuuming. But if you’re still having issues with symptoms during the time you’re at home, an air purifier could be able to help.

While it can’t remove pollutants that have gotten trapped in your couch or carpet, it might help freshen the air circulating 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 could also be appropriate if you or a family member has lung trouble, such as emphysema or COPD.

There are two kinds, a portable air purifier or a whole-home air purifier. We’ll discuss 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 a lone room. A whole-house air purifier works alongside your heating and cooling equipment to purify your complete house. Some types can purify independent when your heating and cooling system isn’t running.

What’s the Best Air Purifier for Allergies?

Look for a model with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are installed in hospitals and deliver the greatest filtration you can get, 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 mixture can destroy dust, dander, pollen and mold, all of which are standard allergens. For the ultimate in air purification, think over a system that also has a carbon-based filter to decrease household odors.

Avoid using an air purifier that makes ozone, which is the top element in smog. The EPA warns ozone might aggravate respiratory issues, even when discharged at small concentrations.

The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has compiled a checklist of questions to think over when getting an air purifier.

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

How to Reduce Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Want to get the {top|most excellent|best] outcome from your new air purification equipment? The Mayo Clinic recommends completing other measures to reduce your exposure to seasonal allergy triggers.

  1. Stay inside and keep windows and doors closed when pollen counts are high.
  2. Have someone else mow the lawn or pull weeds, since this work can aggravate symptoms. If you must do these chores on your own, consider using a pollen mask. You should also shower right away and put on new clothes once you’re finished.
  3. Avoid drying laundry outside your home.
  4. Use your air conditioner while indoors or while you’re on the road. Consider using a high efficiency air filter in your house’s HVAC unit.
  5. Equalize your house’s humidity saturation with a whole-house dehumidifier.
  6. Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the suggested flooring materials for lowering indoor allergens. If your home has carpet, use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.

Let Our Specialists Manage Your Indoor Air Quality Necessities

Prepared to progress with adding a whole-house air purifier? Give our experts a call at 336-853-6070 or contact us online to get an appointment. We’ll help you find the best unit for your house and budget.