How To Improve Indoor Air Quality During Washington’s Allergy Season

Spring has arrived in Washington, and most people are looking forward to reengaging with fresh air pursuits. Unfortunately, the change of seasons also heralds the reemergence of pollen and other allergens that make allergy sufferers miserable with sneezing, itchy eyes and respiratory distress. And while the great outdoors can be a minefield of allergens, your home’s indoor air quality is just as important for reducing allergen exposure and finding relief from allergy symptoms.

Here are some great tips on how to improve indoor air quality at home.

Understanding Allergy Season and Indoor Air Quality

Allergy season in Washington can be lengthy and severe with pollen counts often reaching high levels from February to November. Common allergens in the state include tree pollen from cedar, alder, willow, oak and birch in the spring; grass pollen in the summer; and weed pollen from ragweed and thistle in the fall.

Our customers often ask “Why are my seasonal allergies worse indoors?” It’s because outdoor allergens can infiltrate homes through open windows, ventilation systems and daily activities, and combine with indoor allergens like dust mites, mold spores and pet dander to trigger allergy symptoms year-round. So, with a double-whammy of allergens in your home, it’s important to control your indoor air quality to provide relief, keeping it as clean as possible.

Practical Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality

Use High-Quality Air Purifiers

Installing an air purifier in your home will have you breathing easier with improved indoor air quality. Look for purifiers equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which are capable of trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust mites and pet dander.

Studies have shown that HEPA filters can effectively reduce indoor particulate matter and allergen concentrations by an average of 50% or higher. This reduction in airborne allergens can greatly improve symptoms for those suffering from allergic rhinitis and asthma.

When choosing an air purifier, consider the size of the room where it will be used. The best placement is often in the bedroom, where you spend most of your time at home. Air purifiers are also the answer to how to improve indoor air quality in your office.

Maintain Your HVAC System

Your home’s HVAC system plays a big part in maintaining indoor air quality, and regular maintenance is the best way to keep it operating smoothly and prevent it from being a factor in poor indoor air quality. Start by changing your air filters regularly, typically every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the type of filter, to prevent allergen buildup which can be circulated into your house.

Consider upgrading to high-efficiency filters with a MERV rating of 11 or higher to trap smaller particles more effectively. Professional HVAC maintenance is also important. Schedule annual check-ups to ensure your system is clean, working properly and not spreading allergens throughout your home.

Clean and Maintain Air Ducts

Just like your filters, your air ducts can accumulate dust, pollen and mold, which can then be blown throughout your home when your HVAC system is running.

Professional air duct cleaning can remove these accumulated allergens, helping to improve overall indoor air quality. While the frequency of duct cleaning can vary depending on your home’s specific needs, consider having them inspected and cleaned every 3-5 years, or more frequently if you notice visible mold growth or excessive dust coming from your vents.

Keep Your Home Clean and Allergen Free

Regular and more effective house cleaning is also key to maintaining good indoor air quality and reducing allergen levels in your home.

  • Vacuum often using a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner. This is especially important for carpeted areas, which can trap allergens.
  • Dust surfaces with a damp cloth rather than a duster or dry cloth to capture and remove allergens rather than dispersing them into the air.
  • Wash bedding, curtains and other fabrics in hot water weekly to kill dust mites and remove other allergens.
  • Clear the clutter in your home, as it creates more places for dust and allergens to accumulate and makes cleaning more difficult.
  • Use door mats at all entrances and consider a “shoes-off” policy in the house to limit the amount of outdoor allergens brought into your home.
  • Seal any cracks or gaps around windows and doors to prevent outdoor allergens from entering.

While Washington’s allergy season can be a real challenge for sufferers, taking proactive steps to improve your indoor air quality at home and at the office can significantly reduce your exposure to allergens and help to alleviate allergy symptoms. By using these strategies, from installing high-quality air purifiers and maintaining your HVAC system to keeping your home extra clean, you can create a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment and find some much-needed relief.
Want to learn more about how to improve indoor air quality at home? Ready to combat seasonal allergies with clean ductwork or an air purifier? Contact Apex Air today to schedule an appointment.

Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Most people think of air pollution as an outdoor problem, mainly because that’s what media reports focus on. But the air inside your home can be just as polluted, maybe even more so. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems over time, and the effects of indoor air pollution can aggravate the condition of those already suffering from asthma, allergies and other illnesses.

How to tell if indoor air quality is bad? That can be difficult unless you have an indoor air quality monitor, because the airborne particulates that pollute the air — including chemicals, dust and other allergens — are largely invisible. However, there are symptoms of poor indoor air quality in your home that can alert you to potential problems. Here are eight warning signs to watch out for, and some tips for how to reduce indoor air pollution.

  1. Your Indoor Air Is Making You Sick: Allergies and Respiratory Issues

One of the most common signs of poor indoor air quality is an increase in allergies and respiratory problems. If you or your family members are suddenly experiencing more frequent bouts of coughing, sneezing or worsening asthma symptoms, it could be a sign of airborne contaminants in your home. These irritants can include:

  • Mold spores
  • Pet dander
  • Pollen
  • Dust mites
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

In some cases, poor air quality can even trigger allergies in people who have never had them before. If you or your family are sensitive to indoor allergens, you should consider installing air purifiers in your home as well as an indoor air quality monitor to keep track of them.

  1. Frequent Headaches

If you’re experiencing frequent and persistent headaches, poor indoor air quality could be the cause. Airborne pollutants in high concentrations can cause inflammation in your sinuses, leading to headaches or migraines, possibly accompanied by fatigue, dizziness and nausea. If these symptoms begin appearing with no other known cause, it might be time to investigate your indoor air quality.

  1. Insomnia and Fatigue

Poor air quality can have a big impact on your sleep quality, leading to insomnia and daytime fatigue. Airborne irritants can make it difficult to breathe easily at night, causing snoring, restlessness and trouble falling or staying asleep. A lack of quality rest can result in difficulty focusing during the day, decreased alertness, and reduced productivity at work or school. If you’re consistently waking up feeling tired despite getting your normal hours of sleep, your indoor air quality could be the culprit.

  1. Excessive Dust

While some dust is normal in a home, if you notice it rapidly accumulating on your furnishings, it is probably having a detrimental effect on your air quality. If you find yourself dusting more than usual or notice dust on surfaces shortly after cleaning, it could be a sign of inadequate ventilation and/or dirty or clogged filters or ductwork in your HVAC system. Reduce indoor air pollution in this case by replacing your filters, and have your heating and cooling system professionally inspected and cleaned.

  1.  High Energy Bills

Poor air quality can also cost you money. When you have an excessive amount of airborne particulates in your home, it collects in your heating and air conditioning system, making it work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures and reducing the life of your furnace. This means higher energy usage, higher utility bills, and more frequent HVAC maintenance and repairs.

  1. Unpleasant Odors

Bad smells are a sure sign that something unpleasant is in the environment, and it could be harmful. Those odors could be an indication of mold or mildew growth, or chemical fumes from household cleaning products or materials used in new carpet or furniture. Both can be irritating for people with allergies, elderly people and those with respiratory issues.

  1. High Indoor Humidity

Excessive indoor humidity not only feels uncomfortable but can also foster the growth of various pollutants. Ideal indoor humidity should be between 30-50%. If you notice constantly foggy windows and mirrors, damp surfaces and persistent musty odors, your humidity is probably too high and might encourage the growth of mold and mildew. Make sure you have enough ventilation in areas that are prone to mold growth, such as the basement and crawl spaces, and consider using a dehumidifier.

  1. Stale Indoor Air

If the air in your home feels stagnant or stuffy, it’s a sign of poor ventilation. This can lead to a higher concentration of indoor pollutants and accelerate other air quality issues. Proper ventilation is the key to how to reduce indoor air pollution and create a healthier living environment.

Concerned about your indoor air quality? Learn about our air purifier options! Contact the Apex Air team today.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

Man sneezing in his home. Apex Air, serving Portland OR & Vancouver WA offers ways to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

The Portland and Vancouver area offers immaculate views, rolling rivers, and breathtaking hikes–it’s a really great place to connect with nature. However, if you live here, you’re also faced with the risk of wildfires, especially in the summer.

With temperatures rising and the risk of wildfires increasing, we at Apex Air want to offer ways you can protect yourself from the adverse effects of wildfire smoke.

What are the Negative Side Effects of Smoke Exposure?

Wildfire smoke contains carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, soot, and various other particulate matter that can pose serious and immediate health risks to your family and pets. You may experience:

  • Congestion
  • Irritated eyes
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Respiratory problems

Children and elderly people are especially vulnerable.

How smoke can enter the home.
How smoke can enter the home.

What Helps with Wildfire Smoke?

If you live in a region where the risk of wildfires is high, take note of these tips to prepare for wildfire season.

  • Keep windows and doors shut
  • Have a supply of N95 respirators handy
  • Stay indoors
  • Don’t add to the indoor air pollution by using fireplaces, burning candles, smoking, etc.
  • Use an air purifier to reduce indoor air pollution
  • Have a UV light air cleaner installed into your ductwork to improve indoor air quality
  • Adjust your air conditioning system to keep smoke out.
    • For window air conditioning units, close the outdoor damper
    • For central HVAC systems with fresh air intake, close the intake or change it to recirculate mode.
    • For portable air conditioning units with two hoses, make sure the seal between the window and vent kit is tight. If you have a unit with a single hose, consider not using it until the wildfire smoke is gone.
    • If you have an evaporative cooler in your home, consider using an alternative method to stay cool during smoky conditions because it can bring more smoke indoors.

Experts in Indoor Air Quality

If your home is experiencing air quality issues, turn to Apex Air in Portland OR and Vancouver WA. We offer a wide variety of HVAC services, including installing air purifiers and air cleaners. We even offer 24/7 emergency services for urgent HVAC issues. Schedule an appointment today with one of our HVAC experts to learn more about how we can improve your indoor air quality. And to learn more about wildfires and their impact on your health, take a look at this article from the Environmental Protection Agency.