How Air Purifiers Help Relieve Winter Allergies
Winter allergies, also known as indoor allergies, occur as a person’s immune system reacts to allergens that are found indoors during the winter months. Allergen triggers can include:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold and mildew spores
- Pest and rodent droppings
If pests and rodents are the cause of your allergies, it is best to hire a pest control service to inspect your home and prevent the spreading of unwanted pests to make you feel comfortable.
Symptoms of winter allergies closely mimic those of seasonal allergies. Sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and scratchy throats can make life uncomfortable especially if pests is untreated as noted by the top pest control.
How Do Winter Allergies Develop?
Winter allergies are a combination of genetic contributors and exposure to indoor allergens and pollutants. Those with a family history of allergies and other respiratory symptoms are more likely to develop winter allergies. Plus, adding the element of exposure to indoor pollutants will cause the immune system to eventually overreact, leading to symptoms that may be temporary or permanent. Taking steps to reduce allergens and improve your indoor air quality greatly improves winter allergy symptoms and will provide you and your household with much-needed relief.
Using Air Purifiers to Reduce Allergy Symptoms
Spending additional time indoors in the winter is bound to exacerbate your allergy symptoms unless you take steps to improve indoor air quality. Keeping filters clean, opening doors and windows intermittently, and cleaning are all steps that can be taken to begin the process of indoor cleanup. By adding an air purifier to your indoor living spaces, you’re leveling up your efforts to provide you and your loved ones with a cleaner, less polluted environment.
What Are Air Purifiers?
Air purifiers are devices that are specifically used to remove pollutants and allergens in the air of a room or building. They work by drawing in air through a series of filters, which are responsible for trapping and removing harmful particles, such as pet dander, mold spores, dust, and pollen. With a variety of air purifiers to choose from, you have the ability to manage the pollutant levels and air quality in your home, improving your chances of reducing winter allergy symptoms to once again breathe freely.
Types of Air Purifiers
A plethora of air purifier products are on the market today, each with their own unique features and capabilities. Here are some that are most commonly found in homes.
Mechanical Air Purifiers
The mechanical air purifier uses a filter or layers of filtration to remove pollutants and allergens from your living spaces. The most common type of mechanical filter is called the HEPA filter, which can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. These are efficient at removing dust, pet dander, mold, mildew, and pollen from the air. Some of the benefits of mechanical filtration include:
- Efficiency in removing small particles from the air
- Low maintenance
- Easy to use
- Relatively inexpensive and easy to find
Due to their smaller size, it is possible to isolate purification to specific rooms. You may also purchase several units for use throughout your home.
Electronic Air Purifiers
Electronic air purifiers, or ionizers, work by using electrical charges to attract and then neutralize pollutants and allergens in the air. Using a process called ionization, negatively charged particles are released into the air and attach themselves to positively charged particles like dust, dander, and smoke. These heavy particles fall to the ground, where they can be easily vacuumed or mopped up. Some benefits to electronic air purification include:
- Ability to neutralize odors, smoke, and VOCs
- No need to change or clean filters
- Quiet and energy efficient
Those with respiratory issues or autoimmune diseases will enjoy the thorough cleansing provided by ionizers, as they are able to capture a larger sampling of pollutants that may be compromising indoor air quality.
Ultraviolet Air Purifiers
Ultraviolet, or UV air purifiers, use UV-C light technology to kill bacteria and germs in the air. This type of ultraviolet light has a wavelength and vibration that can destroy the DNA of various microorganisms, rendering them harmless. Some of the benefits of UV purification include:
- Can be combined with other purification technologies
- Low maintenance: requires lamp replacement annually
- Reduces toxic buildup of germs and bacteria
With this innovative technology at our fingertips, many homeowners are finding it easier than ever to maintain good health and alleviate both allergies and other illnesses that are most pervasive in the winter months.
Which Technology to Choose?
Ultimately, the best air purifier for reducing your winter allergies is one that is appropriately sized for your living space, has adequate filtration capabilities, has a high Clean Air Delivery Rating, and fits your budget. Speaking to a qualified ac installation professional such as these indoor air quality services in Fairfield, NJ will give you a thorough overview of your options as well as allow you to make a more informed choice that will improve your health.
Breathe Free This Winter and Beyond
Don’t suffer through another indoor season with sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Clean up your indoor environment as you reduce or even eliminate winter allergy symptoms with our superior purification options.
