Which allergens are the most problematic?

Indoor pollutants are perennial allergens, which are year-round. The worst of these airborne particles include dust mites, pet dander and mold. Outdoor allergens tend to be more seasonal and include pollen and mold. They enter your home attached to pet fur, clothing, shoes, hands and even hair. With an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter, you can trap these particles. With regular filter changes, an air purifier can minimize even the most troublesome allergens.

What makes HEPA the best filter type?

Because HEPA filters capture particles as small as .3 microns, they effectively remove allergy triggers, pollen and dust mite particles from the air.

Which room in the house is most likely to have the most allergens?

Heating and cooling systems distribute air throughout your house and with it airborne particles. However, certain types of allergens are more likely to be in certain areas. Dust mites are most commonly found in rooms with carpeting and upholstered furniture, such as bedrooms and family rooms. Mold tends to occur more often in kitchens and bathrooms because of the presence of moisture. The room where you spend the most time is where you should keep an air purifier. Many allergy sufferers experience their worst allergy episodes at night and they often suggest keeping an air purifier in your bedroom while you sleep.

How often should I run the air purifier?

Ideally, air purifiers should be run continuously to maintain cleaner indoor air conditions. At the very least, your personal air purifier should be run during peak allergy seasons around the fall and spring. However, there is technology which detects the air quality and automatically adjusts the fan speed. This means that your air purifier will only run at its highest speed when a high degree of allergens is present, so it takes the guesswork out of when you need to run your machine. Also, make sure the personal air purifier you use accommodates the living space. Air purifiers can clean areas ranging from 100 to 600 square feet.

Allergy Detoxing Room by Room

Bedrooms

• Use mite-proof covers for your mattress and box spring and allergy proof pillows
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites

Living Room

• Dust and clean hard surfaces regularly
• Vacuum often if you have carpets
• Use a dust mask while cleaning to prevent allergic episodes

The Kitchen

• Look for any leaks including around your refrigerator to stop mold from forming
• Clean where dust collects like on the tops of cabinets and the fridge-forgotten dust in these areas eventually ends up in the air

The Bathroom

• After a shower, leave on the bathroom fan to dry everything out and prevent mold
• Like the kitchen, check for leaks under the bathroom sink

The Laundry Room

• Make sure your dryer vent is clear to prevent a buildup of moisture, which can cause mold
• Don't let wet laundry sit around too long in hampers-it's a haven for both mold and dust mites

Whether your allergies are seasonal or year-round, using air purification is an easy and chemical-free way to keep airborne contaminants from making you miserable. While your air purifier helps keep your allergies under control, you can focus more on what matters most.