Indoor Air Quality Solutions to Help Alleviate Your Allergies

Whether because of pollen, high humidity or pet dander, suffering from allergies can be a miserable experience. Luckily, there are a number of different indoor air quality solutions that can help filter out any potential allergens and help you find some relief from your symptoms. From air purifiers and air scrubbers to humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air quality testing, Premier Indoor Comfort Systems offers a wide range of indoor air quality solutions to customers in Whittier and the surrounding areas.

Air Purifiers and Air Scrubbers

If you suffer from allergies, installing an air purifier or air scrubber can be a great solution for preventing your symptoms and improving your indoor air quality. Nonetheless, it’s important to understand the differences between the two in order to determine which is the better choice for your specific needs.

Both air purifiers and air scrubbers filter and clean the air inside a building. These systems function by filtering the air as it passes through your HVAC system in order to trap any particles such as dust, mold, pollen, pet dander and other allergens and pollutants. Depending on the type and efficiency of the filtration system, these units may even be able to filter out bacteria and toxins.

While purifiers and scrubbers both offer an added layer of filtration and thus protection from allergens, air scrubbers take things one step further. Instead of simply filtering out particles as they pass through the unit, an air scrubber also uses negative ions to provide even greater protection. These ions work by attaching themselves to both surface and airborne particles. This causes the particles to become heavier and settle instead of being spread around throughout the air. The result is that these particles stick to floors and other surfaces, which makes them much easier to clean up and prevents you from breathing them in.

Generally speaking, an air purifier is usually sufficient for most residential applications. Air scrubbers are more often used in commercial or industrial settings where there is a higher concentration of dust, bacteria or other allergens and pollutants.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers can also be a great choice for allergy sufferers. Excess humidity tends to be a bigger problem in areas like North Carolina. Moreover, high humidity is also much more closely related to allergies. This is partly because the humidity level tends to be higher during the prime allergy seasons in spring and summer. Nonetheless, high humidity also creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, both of which can worsen allergy symptoms. However, excessively dry air can also worsen allergy symptoms and respiratory issues. In either case, a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier may be an ideal solution to help you overcome your allergy issues.

The Importance of Proper Air Filtration

One important indoor air quality factor that many people tend to ignore is their HVAC system’s air filter. In most cases, you should replace or wash your air filter every one to three months. However, if you live in a dusty area or suffer from frequent allergies, you should replace your filter much more often. If you wash your filter, be sure that it’s completely dry before you put it back into your system, or you could experience mold or mildew growth.

Also, pay close attention to the type of filter you choose and its MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating. Perforated filters are generally much more efficient than non-perforated filters, which is why this is the type most HVAC professionals recommend. In terms of rating, a filter with a MERV rating of 10 or higher is generally your best choice. Furthermore, allergy sufferers may also find some added relief by choosing an electrostatically charged filter as this type of filter attracts and filters out more particles from the air than a conventional filter.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Testing and Other IAQ Services

If you’re concerned about the indoor air quality in your Whittier home or commercial property, Premier Indoor Comfort Systems] offers a whole range of IAQ solutions. We can assist you by first testing your air quality and then determining the best solution to help improve it. Our team of NATE-certified technicians also specializes in a full range of heating and cooling services including installation, maintenance and repair for your whole system. We can even assist you with radiant heating, ductless mini-splits, wine fridges and much more. For more information on our IAQ solutions or any of our other services, contact Premier Indoor Comfort Systems today.