Allergy Solutions and IAQ Tips

Many allergy symptoms can be minimized in the home by using common sense technology. Below are some hints on how to fight allergy, asthma & upper respiratory problems.

There are 4 basic ways to improve IAQ

Source removal
If it’s not there it won’t pollute. Find ways to keep unwanted particles and gases from entering your home.

Filtration
Filtering unwanted irritants is one of the most common ways to improve IAQ. A person may be allergic to pet dander but they won’t get rid of their pets.

Dilution
Bringing in outside air to dilute carbon dioxide or VOC’s is an excellent solution for improving IAQ. This is especially true in commercial applications. Running the fan in the “Fan On” position is necessary in commercial applications and a great solution in residential systems using upgraded filtration & an outside air duct.

Humidification control
extremely humid conditions create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Desert communities like San Diego are prone to very low relative humidity. Both conditions can create health risks or lead to aggravating conditions for allergy sufferers.

IAQ Hints
Take off shoes before coming in your home. This will help reduce the number of mold spores, dirt, dust & other unwanted hitch hikers that attach themselves to the bottom of your shoes.

Be careful when choosing and using household cleaners and solvents. Gases from these products create VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) and are a major source of indoor air pollution.

Use a HEPA or central vacuum system. When vacuuming your home, a standard vac causes many small particles to become airborne. A high efficiency vacuum reduces the number of these airborne allergens & irritants.

Remove fabric draperies or horizontal blinds – Replace with vertical blinds

Remove carpet – replace with tile or hardwood.

Use a whole house filtration & air purification system to remove unwanted irritants – variable speed furnace / air handlers and high efficiency air conditioners compliment whole house filtration systems (sound levels & energy usage).

Adding a whole house humidifier will help minimize the discomfort cause by dry air associated with running your forced air heating system in the winter. This dryness aggravates allergies and dries out wood furnishings, especially antiques.

If possible mix in 5 – 15% filtered outside air with the return air from your furnace and air conditioner. Creating a positive pressure in your home will prevent unwanted irritants from infiltrating your home when doors are opened or exhaust fans are used. A simple outside air duct or an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) are the best options.

Bedrooms are a critical area to condition because a person spends about 30 – 40% of their life in their bedroom. Think of the bedroom as an oasis. We can truly make a major impact on the quality of a person’s life by conditioning this area of the home.

Remove large numbers of stuffed animals.

Use pillow & mattress covers.

Use All Bar or Aluminum Curve Blade registers to reduce drafts.

A properly vented exhaust hood in the kitchen is critical; a non vented hood does not eliminate products of combustion or VOC’s.

A properly vented bathroom minimizes potential mold build up.