5 Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality This Allergy Season
Allergy season is here, and if you’re sneezing, congested, or dealing with itchy eyes, you’re not alone. While most people focus on outdoor allergens, indoor air quality often gets overlooked—even though it can be just as bad (or worse!). Dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold can linger in your home, aggravating allergy symptoms and making it harder to breathe easy.
At Livinon Mechanical, we know that clean, healthy air is essential for a comfortable home. That’s why we offer expert HVAC maintenance, air filtration solutions, and humidity control to help you combat allergens effectively.
Here are five simple yet powerful ways to improve indoor air quality during allergy season.
- Upgrade Your Air Filters for Maximum Protection
Your HVAC system is your home’s first line of defense against airborne allergens—but only if it has the right filter. Many standard air filters only capture large dust particles, leaving microscopic allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and dust mites circulating through your home.
For superior indoor air quality, HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the gold standard, capturing 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns—a game-changer for allergy sufferers.
Why Upgrade to HEPA Filters?
- Removes more allergens: Traps fine particles like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores.
- Reduces airborne bacteria & viruses: Helps minimize respiratory irritants that trigger allergies and asthma.
- Improves HVAC efficiency: Keeps your system running smoothly with less dust buildup.
- Better for pet owners: Captures pet hair and dander before they spread through your home.
Other High-Efficiency Filter Options
If a HEPA filter isn’t compatible with your HVAC system, consider these alternatives:
- MERV 13+ filters – Capture smaller particles than standard filters but allow better airflow than HEPA filters.
- Electrostatic filters – Attract and trap allergens using an electric charge.
- Activated carbon filters – Remove odors and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in addition to allergens.
Pro Tip: Check your air filter every 30-60 days and replace it at least every 90 days—or more frequently if you have pets or severe allergies. Livinon Mechanical can help you find and install the best filter for your HVAC system.
2. Start A Regular Cleaning Routine To Keep Allergens At Bay
Dust, pet hair, and pollen settle on every surface in your home, making regular cleaning essential for better air quality. But not all cleaning methods are created equal.
Allergy-Friendly Cleaning Tips:
- Use microfiber cloths – Unlike regular dusters, microfiber cloths trap dust instead of spreading it back into the air.
- Vacuum weekly with a HEPA-filter vacuum – Standard vacuums can kick allergens back into the air. A HEPA vacuum captures microscopic particles, including pet dander and pollen.
- Wash bedding, curtains, and rugs in hot water – Dust mites can survive normal washes, but hot water (130°F or higher) kills them.
- Consider an air purifier – Place an air purifier with a HEPA filter in bedrooms and living areas for extra filtration.
- Mop floors regularly – Sweeping can stir up allergens; damp mopping traps and removes them.
Don’t Forget These Overlooked Areas
- Door Mats & Entryways – Pollen and dust hitch a ride on shoes. Use doormats and remove shoes inside to reduce tracked-in allergens.
- Electronics & Surfaces – TVs, keyboards, and countertops collect dust fast—wipe them down frequently.
- Mattresses & Upholstery – Dust mites thrive in mattresses. Vacuum them every 1-2 months and use allergen-proof covers.
- Ceiling Fans & Vents – Dust builds up on fan blades and vents, circulating allergens through the air.
Pro Tip:
HVAC ducts collect dust, pet dander, and mold over time. A professional duct cleaning from Livinon Mechanical helps prevent allergens from cycling through your home, ensuring fresher, healthier air.
3. Purify the Air Naturally with Houseplants
Houseplants not only add a touch of greenery to your home, but they also help remove toxins and purify the air naturally. However, not all plants are allergy-friendly, so choose wisely.
Best Indoor Plants for Cleaner Air:
- Spider Plant – Removes carbon monoxide and toxins.
- Aloe Vera – Absorbs airborne chemicals found in cleaning products.
- Snake Plant – Releases oxygen at night, improving bedroom air quality.
- Bamboo Palm – Filters out mold spores and allergens.
If you have allergies, make sure to choose low-pollen houseplants and keep their soil mold-free. Overwatering plants can encourage mold growth, which isn’t going to help your indoor air quality.
4. Control Humidity Levels to Stop Mold and Dust Mites
Excess moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and dust mites—two of the biggest culprits behind allergy symptoms.
How to Maintain Ideal Humidity Levels (30-50%)
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms .
- Turn on exhaust fans when cooking or showering.
- Fix leaks ASAP to prevent moisture buildup.
- Upgrade to a whole-home humidity control system—Livinon Mechanical offers advanced dehumidifiers and smart thermostats that automatically regulate moisture levels.
Keeping humidity in the ideal range (30-50%) helps create a healthier, fresher indoor environment. If you’re struggling with excess moisture, Livinon can assess your home and recommend the best humidity-control solutions tailored to your needs.
5. Ditch Synthetic Fragrances & Chemical Pollutants
Think your air fresheners and scented candles are helping? Think again. Many commercial air fresheners, cleaning sprays, and candles release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that worsen indoor air quality and irritate allergies.
Healthier Alternatives:
- Use essential oils instead of synthetic air fresheners.
- Choose non-toxic cleaning products made with natural ingredients.
- DIY cleaners with vinegar, baking soda, and lemon.
- Switch to soy or beeswax candles instead of paraffin-based ones.
Swapping out these common household products for cleaner alternatives helps reduce chemical pollutants in your home.
Final Thoughts: Breathe Easier This Allergy Season
Improving your home’s air quality doesn’t have to be complicated. By making a few smart changes, you can reduce allergens and breathe easier all season long:
- Upgrade to HEPA air filters for better allergen control.
- Stick to an allergy-friendly cleaning routine to minimize dust and dander.
- Use air-purifying houseplants for natural toxin removal.
- Control humidity levels to prevent mold and dust mites.
- Swap out synthetic fragrances for natural, non-toxic alternatives.
At Livinon Mechanical, we specialize in HVAC solutions that keep your air clean and your home comfortable. Whether you need air filter replacements, humidity control, or expert HVAC maintenance, our team is here to help.
Get Started Today – It’s Easy!
Call Us Now: (737) 308-0506 – Speak with an expert about your air quality concerns.
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Don’t wait—take action now to create a healthier, allergy-free home!