We spend a lot of time in our homes. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated being indoors accounts for 90% of our schedule. However, the EPA also has determined your indoor air can be three to five times dirtier than outside your home.

That’s since our houses are tightly sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy bills, it’s not so great if you’re amid the 40% of the population with respiratory allergies.

When outside ventilation is restricted, pollutants like dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could get trapped. As a result, these pollutants can aggravate your allergies.

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

While it can’t get rid of pollutants that have settled on your furniture or carpet, it can help freshen the air circulating around your home.

And air purification has also been scientifically verified to help lessen some allergic symptoms, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. It can also be useful if you or someone in your household has lung issues, such as emphysema or COPD.

There are two models, a portable air purifier or a whole-home air purifier. We’ll discuss the differences so you can learn what’s right for your home.

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 system to clean your entire home. Some models can work on their own when your home comfort system 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 used in hospitals and offer the most comprehensive filtration you can find, as they trap 99.97% of particles in the air.

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

Avoid using an air purifier that creates ozone, which is the top component in smog. The EPA cautions ozone may irritate respiratory issues, even when released at low concentrations.

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

  • What can this purifier extract from the air? What doesn’t it remove?
  • What’s its clean air delivery rate? (A bigger number means air will be freshened faster.)
  • How regularly does the filter or UV bulb need to be replaced]? Can I finish that without help?
  • How much do spare filters or bulbs cost?

How to Decrease Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Want to receive the {top|most excellent|best] outcome from your new air purification unit? The Mayo Clinic recommends completing other steps to reduce your exposure to things that can trigger seasonal allergies.

  1. Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed when pollen counts are elevated.
  2. Have other household members mow the lawn or pull weeds, since these tasks can trigger symptoms. If you must do these chores alone, you may want to consider trying a pollen mask. You should also rinse off without delay and change your clothes once you’re finished.
  3. Avoid hanging laundry outdoors.
  4. Run the AC while indoors or while you’re on the road. Consider adding a high efficiency air filter in your home’s HVAC system.
  5. Balance your house’s humidity levels with a whole-house dehumidifier.
  6. Hardwood, tile or linoleum are the suggested flooring types for lowering indoor allergens. If your residence has carpet, add a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.

Let Our Professionals Handle Your Indoor Air Quality Requirements

Prepared to progress with adding a whole-house air purifier? Give our professionals a call at 541-286-6617 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you find the right unit for your residence and budget.