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How to Deal with Fall Allergies: Air Cleaners

how-to-deal-with-fall-allergies-air-cleanersAs summer winds down, ragweed-and-sagebrush season kicks in, bringing with it itchy eyes, runny noses and sneezing. Autumn is arguably the most beautiful time of year in Denver, but fall allergies can make being outside miserable for those who are affected by them. They shouldn’t, however, make you miserable in your home as well. Did you know relief is as close as your local HVAC professional? Air cleaners from companies such as Honeywell and Aprilaire can rid your home of debilitating allergens.

Improve the Air Inside

New homes are increasingly better at keeping the outdoors out, but that raises concerns for the contaminants that are trapped indoors, affecting air quality and health. Some simple steps you can take to improve your home’s indoor air quality are:

  • Avoid bringing outdoor contaminants inside by removing shoes at the door.
  • Certain activities like mowing the lawn can increase the amount of pollen on your clothing, skin and hair. When you come back inside, change your clothes and shower to keep that pollen from spreading throughout the house.
  • Don’t smoke inside.
  • Clean and dust often.
  • Keep your home well ventilated.
  • Improve the humidity level in your home. Too much humidity encourages growth of the microbes that cause respiratory problems. Too little humidity (as is often the case in Colorado) results in dry skin, throats and nasal passages which are more easily irritated.
  • Change your furnace filter regularly.

For severe allergy and asthma sufferers, however, these steps may not be enough. Whole house air cleaners, designed to minimize dust, pollen and other irritants, may be the solution that allows you to breathe easy at home.

Air Filtration Systems

Whole house air purification systems remove over 95% of particles down to .3 microns and attack all types of contaminants: microbes, viruses, tobacco smoke, pollen, allergens (like pet dander), dust, ash and dirt.

  • HEPA filters, the type used in hospitals, are the gold standard. Sealed HEPA filtration systems remove 99.97% of air contaminants, including gases emitted by paints, adhesives, and fabrics.
  • Media air cleaners have an active surface area that is quite a bit larger than that of a basic filter. These filters typically last up to 6 months, whereas basic filters need to be replaced monthly.
  • Electronic air cleaners, also called electrostatic air cleaners, use a magnetic charge to capture particles as they pass through the filter. These units are exceptional at containing microscopic particles and removing household odors, while being easy to clean.

IAQ to the Rescue

Consider having IAQ add a whole house air filtration system to your furnace or air conditioner. IAQ recommends Honeywell and Aprilaire because of their proven effectiveness at cleaning indoor air and their efficiency of operation.

The Honeywell F300 Electronic Air Cleaner requires no replacement filters and only minimal maintenance while collecting up to 99% of airborne particles that pass through the system. Simply wash the filter every 6-12 months.

The Honeywell F200 Media Air Cleaner is up to 40 times more effective and 97% more efficient at capturing airborne particles than a standard one-inch filter. The Wireless Airwatch Indicator lets you know when it is time to change the filter, typically every 6-12 months. If you decide you need more protection, this unit can be easily converted to a high performance electronic air cleaner.

Breathe easy with IAQ and a new whole house air filtration system. Contact us for more information today.