Everyone dreads allergy season: there’s nothing worse than irritants like dust and pollen floating around, attacking your nose, eyes and throat. If you find yourself sniffling and sneezing indoors, this may be due to a case of bad IAQ, short for indoor air quality. Allergens from outside may be trapped inside your house, irritating you further. We hate allergies too- which is why the Efficient Systems team has some IAQ solutions ranging from things you can do independently to professional air quality services.
Common Seasonal Air Pollutants
During every season, pollen of all different types is released into the air, triggering allergies for millions of Americans. Down here in the south, pollen is even more potent and can peak multiple times a year. Below are some of the most common sources of allergens.
- Tree pollen. Allergies from trees come from various sources, the most common being cedar, oak and pine.
- Grass pollen. If you’re sensitive to grass, you should avoid playing in it! Some common grass allergies include Bermuda and bluegrass.
- Weeds. Ragweed and Tumbleweed are two of the most common culprits that cause allergies.
- Mold. While mold is usually thought of as an indoor allergen, mold is also found outside. The most common outdoor type is Cladosporium.
How To Improve IAQ
Other than seasonal allergies, things like dust, pets, and bad air ventilation contribute to bad indoor air quality. It can seem like a daunting task to improve your air quality, especially with all the possible pollutants. Luckily, there are multiple IAQ solutions you can try!
Cleaning
Regular home cleaning helps eliminate unwanted dust, pet dander and bacteria. It’s essential to stick to weekly upkeep: wiping surfaces, washing clothes, dusting and other contaminants that reside in your house. Carpeted floors are significantly more prone to collecting pollutants in your home, so it’s important to vacuum! We recommend vacuuming once or twice a week. Make sure to change your vacuum filter frequently to prevent buildup.
Controlling Humidity
The humidity levels of your home can either positively or negatively affect your indoor air quality. Extremely humid and moist environments promote the growth of mold and mildew, which triggers respiratory issues such as allergies and asthma. To reduce the amount of moisture in the air and combat mold growth, you should invest in a dehumidifier. There are various kinds available on the market- some can dehumidify one room or a larger area depending on your needs.
Air Purification System
A tidy home can only take you so far. If you’re looking to take the next step in improving your indoor air quality, air purification systems are a great option. Air purifiers work by trapping allergens in the air in a filter, preventing them from circulating around your house and subsequently entering your body. The more complex an air filter is, the stronger its ability to purify contaminants. It would be best if you asked your HVAC technician what they would recommend for you and your unique needs.
Professional Air Quality Services
If you’re looking for more details on IAQ solutions, such as professional air purification installation or more, give one of our reliable team members a call today! We understand that you may have many questions, which is why Efficient Systems is more than happy to help.