How Air Purifiers Help Relieve Winter Allergies

How Air Purifiers Help Relieve Winter Allergies

Winter allergies, also known as indoor allergies, occur when a person’s immune system reacts to allergens found indoors during the winter months. Common allergen triggers include:

  • Dust mites
  • Pet dander
  • Mold and mildew spores
  • Pest and rodent droppings

Symptoms of winter allergies closely mimic those of seasonal allergies. Sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, and scratchy throats can make life uncomfortable. Taking steps to reduce allergens and improve your indoor air quality greatly improves winter allergy symptoms and provides you and your household with much-needed relief.

How Do Winter Allergies Develop?

Winter allergies result from a combination of genetic factors and exposure to indoor allergens and pollutants. Those with a family history of allergies and other respiratory symptoms are more likely to develop winter allergies. Exposure to indoor pollutants can cause the immune system to eventually overreact, leading to symptoms that may be temporary or permanent. Taking steps to reduce allergens and improve your indoor air quality greatly improves winter allergy symptoms and will provide you and your household with much-needed relief.

Using Air Purifiers to Reduce Allergy Symptoms

Spending additional time indoors in the winter is bound to worsen your allergy symptoms unless you take steps to improve indoor air quality. Keeping filters clean, opening doors and windows intermittently, and regular cleaning are all steps that can help begin the process of indoor cleanup. By adding an air purifier to your indoor living spaces, you’re leveling up your efforts to provide you and your loved ones with a cleaner, less polluted environment.

What Are Air Purifiers?

Air purifiers are devices specifically used to remove pollutants and allergens from the air in a room or building. They work by drawing in air through a series of filters that trap and remove harmful particles such as pet dander, mold spores, dust, and pollen. With a variety of air purifiers to choose from, you have the ability to manage pollutant levels and air quality in your home, improving your chances of reducing winter allergy symptoms so you can breathe freely once again.

Types of Air Purifiers

A wide range of air purifier products are on the market today, each with unique features and capabilities. Here are some of the types most commonly found in homes.

Mechanical Air Purifiers

The mechanical air purifier uses a filter or layers of filtration to remove pollutants and allergens from your living spaces. The most common type of mechanical filter is the HEPA filter, which can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. These are highly efficient at removing dust, pet dander, mold, mildew, and pollen from the air. Some benefits of mechanical filtration include:

  • Efficiency in removing small particles from the air
  • Low maintenance
  • Easy to use
  • Relatively inexpensive and easy to find

Due to their smaller size, it is possible to isolate purification to specific rooms. You may also purchase several units for use throughout your home.

Electronic Air Purifiers

Electronic air purifiers, or ionizers, work by using electrical charges to attract and neutralize pollutants and allergens in the air. Using a process called ionization, negatively charged particles are released into the air and attach themselves to positively charged particles like dust, dander, and smoke. These heavier particles fall to the ground, where they can be easily vacuumed or mopped up. Some benefits of electronic air purification include:

  • Ability to neutralize odors, smoke, and VOCs
  • No need to change or clean filters
  • Quiet and energy efficient

Those with respiratory issues or autoimmune conditions will appreciate the thorough cleansing provided by ionizers, as they are able to capture a broader range of pollutants that may be compromising indoor air quality.

Ultraviolet Air Purifiers

Ultraviolet, or UV, air purifiers use UV-C light technology to kill bacteria and germs in the air. This type of ultraviolet light has a wavelength and frequency that can destroy the DNA of various microorganisms, rendering them harmless. Some benefits of UV purification include:

  • Can be combined with other purification technologies
  • Low maintenance – requires lamp replacement only annually
  • Reduces toxic buildup of germs and bacteria

With this innovative technology readily available, many homeowners are finding it easier than ever to maintain good health and alleviate both allergies and other illnesses that are most prevalent during the winter months.

Which Technology to Choose?

Ultimately, the best air purifier for reducing your winter allergies is one that is appropriately sized for your living space, has adequate filtration capabilities, has a high Clean Air Delivery Rating, and fits your budget. Speaking with a qualified indoor air quality professional will give you a thorough overview of your options and allow you to make a more informed choice that will improve your health.

Breathe Free This Winter & Beyond

Don’t suffer through another indoor season with sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Clean up your indoor environment and reduce or even eliminate winter allergy symptoms with our superior purification options.