5 Ways to Combat Home Allergens in Tacoma

Ah, spring. The season of blooming flowers, longer days, and… the unwelcome return of relentless allergies.

If you reside in Tacoma, or anywhere in the Puget Sound region, you’re likely familiar with the sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy noses that can turn your own Tacoma, home into an allergy battlefield.

While the great outdoors in Washington can be a significant source of allergens, don’t underestimate the impact of your indoor environment. In fact, the EPA estimates that indoor air pollutant levels can be two to five times higher than outdoor concentrations.

This is particularly relevant as we often keep our windows closed to maintain comfortable temperatures, trapping allergens and other irritants inside.

Reduce Your Allergies!

The good news? You don’t have to surrender to the sniffles within your own four walls. Taking proactive steps to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) can significantly reduce the allergens circulating in your home, leading to a healthier and more comfortable living space.

At Dana’s Heating & Cooling, we understand the importance of clean, healthy air for you and your family. That’s why we’ve compiled five effective strategies to help you tackle those pesky home allergens and breathe easier this season (and beyond) in the greater Kitsap Peninsula area.

5 Ways to Eliminate Home Allergens in Tacoma

Dana’s Heating & Cooling specializes in making Washington homes comfortable and safe year-round. Here is a mix of DIY tips and proven remedies to help you breathe easier this spring:

1. Say No to Dust!

Dust is a notorious carrier of allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. These microscopic irritants can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate respiratory issues. Implementing a consistent and thorough cleaning routine is your first line of defense.

• Vacuum Regularly and Effectively: Invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. These filters are designed to trap at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size, effectively capturing fine dust and allergens. Focus on high-traffic areas, carpets, rugs, upholstery, and even curtains. Don’t forget under furniture and along baseboards, where dust accumulates.
• Dust Smart: Instead of dry dusting, use a damp cloth or microfiber duster to trap dust particles rather than just spreading them around. Pay attention to often-overlooked surfaces like lampshades, blinds, shelves, and even ceiling fans.
• Wash Bedding Frequently: Dust mites thrive in bedding. To kill these microscopic creatures, wash your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water at least once a week. Consider using allergen-proof mattresses and pillow protectors for an extra layer of defense.
• Declutter: Clutter provides more surfaces for dust to settle on and makes thorough cleaning more challenging. Declutter your home regularly to minimize dust traps.

2. Embrace the Power of Air Filtration

While cleaning removes settled allergens, an effective air filtration system actively works to remove airborne particles as they circulate through your HVAC system. Investing in the right indoor air quality product can make a significant difference for homeowners in Tacoma and surrounding areas.

Consider the REME HALO^® Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier. This innovative product goes beyond simple filtration. It utilizes revolutionary Reflective Electro Magnetic Energy (REME) technology to actively purify the air throughout your entire home.

Here’s how the REME HALO can help reduce home allergens:

• Reduces Airborne Particles: It effectively captures dust, pollen, pet dander, and other particulate matter that can trigger allergies.
• Neutralizes Odors and VOCs: It breaks down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and eliminates unpleasant odors, contributing to overall better air quality.
• Kills Microbes: The REME HALO is also effective against bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, further enhancing the healthiness of your indoor environment.
• Whole-Home Solution: Installed directly into your ductwork, it treats every cubic foot of air-conditioned space, providing comprehensive air purification.

Investing in a high-quality air filtration system like the REME HALO is a proactive step towards creating a healthier indoor environment for allergy sufferers in Kitsap and Pierce counties.

3. Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels

The humidity level in your home can significantly impact allergen levels. Both excessively high and low humidity can create problems.

• High Humidity: A Breeding Ground: High humidity (above 60%) encourages the growth of mold and mildew, both potent allergens. It also creates an ideal environment for dust mites to thrive. If you notice condensation on windows or a musty odor, your humidity levels are likely too high. Consider using a dehumidifier, especially in damp areas like basements and bathrooms, to maintain a humidity level between 30% and 50%.
• Low Humidity: Irritation Station: While less conducive to mold and dust mites, very low humidity (below 30%) can dry out your nasal passages and skin, making you more susceptible to irritation from existing airborne allergens. It can also worsen respiratory symptoms. A whole-house humidifier can help maintain a comfortable and healthy humidity level, particularly during the drier winter months in Washington.

Maintaining the right humidity balance minimizes allergen triggers and promotes overall comfort.

4. Prioritize Ventilation for Fresh Airflow

Trapped, stale air can concentrate allergens and other pollutants. While opening windows can provide temporary relief, it’s not always practical, especially during colder months or on days with high outdoor pollen counts in the Tacoma area.

A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is a more controlled and efficient solution for introducing fresh air. These whole-house systems continuously exchange stale indoor air with fresh, filtered outdoor air.

• HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator): Primarily focuses on transferring heat between the outgoing and incoming air streams, helping to maintain your home’s temperature and energy efficiency.
• ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator): In addition to heat transfer, ERVs also exchange moisture, which can be beneficial for maintaining balanced humidity levels, especially during dry winters.

An ERV can significantly improve indoor air quality without the energy loss associated with simply opening windows by continuously bringing in fresh, filtered air and expelling allergen-laden stale air.

5. Be Mindful of Indoor Allergen Sources

Beyond dust and humidity, various everyday items and activities can introduce allergens into your home. Being mindful of these sources can help you minimize their impact.

• Pet Dander: If you have furry companions, regular grooming, frequent vacuuming (especially on pet beds and upholstery), and potentially restricting pets from certain areas (like bedrooms) can help control pet dander.
• Household Cleaners and Chemicals: Many cleaning products and chemicals release VOCs, which can irritate the respiratory system and trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Opt for natural and fragrance-free cleaning alternatives whenever possible and ensure good ventilation when using stronger chemicals. Store paints, pesticides, and other potentially harmful substances in a well-ventilated area like a garage or shed.
• Pollen and Outdoor Allergens: During peak allergy seasons, take precautions to minimize the transfer of outdoor allergens indoors. Keep windows and doors closed, use air conditioning with a clean filter, and consider removing shoes at the entrance to avoid tracking pollen inside.
• Mold Growth: To prevent mold growth, promptly address any leaks or sources of moisture. Clean any visible mold with appropriate solutions and ensure proper ventilation in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Take Control of Your Indoor Air Quality Today

Don’t let home allergens dictate your comfort and well-being in Tacoma. By implementing these five strategies, you can significantly reduce the allergen load in your home and create a healthier, more enjoyable living environment.

If you’re ready to optimize your indoor air quality, the experts at Dana’s Heating & Cooling are here to help. We can assess your specific needs and recommend the best solutions, from advanced air filtration systems to whole-house humidifiers and ventilation options.

Breathe easier and enjoy the comfort of your home. Contact Dana’s Heating & Cooling today at
360-226-7369 or request service online for personalized advice and solutions tailored to your IAQ needs.