When it comes to indoor air quality, many people think about outdoor air pollution. However, the quality of the air inside our homes can be just as important – especially for those with allergies or asthma. The concentration of certain pollutants in indoor air can be up to five times higher than in outdoor air. A variety of products on the market can help reduce allergens in your home, giving you and your family relief from allergy symptoms.
AIR CONDITIONERS
Air conditioners work by circulating and filtering the air in your home, which can help to remove pollen, dust, and other allergens from the air. Additionally, using an air conditioner will also keep your home cooler and more comfortable during the warmer months. The amount of filtration depends on the rating of the filter you use.
At Dragonfly Heating & Cooling we offer installation, repair, and maintenance of air conditioners. Our technicians are always available to offer high-quality services to meet your needs. We specialize in Goodman and Daikin products. Just call us to get a free estimate for new equipment installation.
AIR PURIFIERS
Air purifiers work by trapping allergens in filters, allowing only clean air to circulate. Various types of air purifiers are available, so you can choose one that best fits your needs. These devices are commonly used to remove dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander from the air, helping to improve air quality.
There are many different types of air purifiers on the market, so choosing one that is right for your needs is essential. Some factors to consider are the specific allergens you are trying to remove, the size of your space, and the features offered. Some pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, and odors, are very small and require specialized air purifiers.
Most air purifiers are designed for small rooms or areas of just a few hundred square feet. But you can find larger units or even have a whole-home air purifier installed. When selecting an air purifier, it is also important to consider the features offered. Some units offer additional features such as UV light sanitization, ionization, and timers.
MERV RATING
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings might be listed on air purifiers and filters. MERV is a measure of how effective an air purifier is at removing airborne particles. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the air purifier will be at removing pollutants from the air.
For most homes, a MERV rating between 11 and 13 should be sufficient. These will catch pollen, dust, mold spores, and exhaust fumes. But if you’re concerned about tobacco smoke or airborne bacteria, you should look for a MERV rating between 13 and 16.
HEPA AIR PURIFIERS
HEPA air filters are some of the most effective at removing allergens from the air. They actually exceed the upper limit of the MERV rating system. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. These filters can trap 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. This includes many common allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. While this may catch some smoke particles, it may not catch all. Smoke particles can be less than .01 microns.
When shopping for a HEPA air purifier, look for one with a high CADR rating. This stands for “clean air delivery rate” and indicates how well the purifier removes specific types of airborne contaminants. The higher the CADR rating, the better the purifier will be at removing allergens from your indoor air. Contact Dragonfly Heating & Cooling to get more information about the best air purifiers for your home to help you reduce allergens.
HUMIDIFIERS
There are a few different types of humidifiers that can be used to help reduce allergens in the home. Humidifiers can also help reduce the symptoms triggered by allergens by soothing the sinus and nasal cavities.
One type is an ultrasonic humidifier, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create water droplets that are then dispersed into the air. This type of humidifier is generally very quiet and can be used for both small and large rooms.
Another type of humidifier is a cool mist humidifier, which uses a fan to circulate cool air through a water-filled chamber. This type of humidifier can help to reduce the amount of pollen and dust in the air, making it ideal for those with allergies.
Finally, there are warm mist humidifiers, which use heat to generate water vapor that is then dispersed into the air. These types of humidifiers can help to reduce the number of bacteria and mold in the air, making them ideal for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
When choosing a humidifier, it is important to consider the size of the room that it will be used in and the type of climate that you live in. Ultrasonic humidifiers are generally best for use in small rooms, while cool mist and warm mist humidifiers are better for larger rooms. If you live in a climate that is dry, it is important to choose a humidifier that can add moisture to the air. Conversely, if you live in a climate that is humid, you may need to look into a dehumidifier.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a humidifier. First, it is important to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Second, if you live in an area with hard water, you might want to use distilled water to prevent the buildup of minerals that can damage the humidifier.
VACUUM CLEANERS
If you have carpet in your home, it can be a breeding ground for allergens. Regular vacuuming can help reduce the number of allergens in your carpet. You’ll want to look at units that have onboard HEPA filters.
A robot vacuum can help if you’re looking at daily vacuuming. Robot vacuums are becoming increasingly popular because they’re so convenient. You can schedule them to run whenever you want, even when you’re not home.
You may also want to consider investing in a carpet cleaner that uses hot water to deep clean your carpets and removes allergens. Steam cleaning can help remove bacteria and other allergens that regular vacuuming can’t.
STEAM MOPS
Steam mops use the power of hot water vapor to deep clean surfaces, loosen and lift dirt, and kill germs and bacteria. This makes them ideal for people with allergies or asthma, as they can help remove irritants from your home.
At Dragonfly Heating & Cooling, we provide a full range of air conditioning and heating services in Riverside, CA, including system installation and repair. You can also save money with our maintenance plans. Our highly trained and experienced technicians are equipped to handle any job, big or small. And because we’re a locally owned and operated company, we can offer our customers the personalized service they deserve. Our goal is to provide the best possible service to our clients. No matter your air conditioning or heating needs, Dragonfly Heating & Cooling is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
