3 Tips to Improve Indoor Air During Allergy Season in Oregon

With its blooming flowers and vibrant greenery, Portland’s spring season can quickly go from “ahh” to “achoo!” in a heartbeat!

If you battle itchy eyes, runny nose, and a scratchy throat this time of year, you probably spend more time indoors—but that won’t always work. Your home is not immune to pollen that sneaks indoors on your clothing and pets or through unsealed cracks around the doors and windows.

At Pyramid Heating and Cooling, we are all about helping you stay comfortable and healthy. We cannot control the outdoor environment in Portland, but we can help you take charge of air quality inside your home by recommending solutions to tackle pesky indoor allergens.

Follow our three tips to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in your Multnomah County home this season, and you can breathe easier.

#1. Create an Allergen-Free Zone

You may not be able to rid your home of all allergens, but you can reduce the amount of pollen, dust mites, and pet dander circulating inside.

• Keep Pollen Outdoors: Take your shoes off at the door so you do not track pollen inside your home, and slip into a pair of indoor-only footwear. Pollen clings to everything! If you are highly allergic, you may want to change clothing after an extended time outdoors.

• Clean Regularly: Dusting and vacuuming are your secret weapons against allergens if you do not simply spread them around. Use the correct cleaning tools, such as a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to trap the microscopic particles. Use a damp cloth when dusting, and remember to tackle dust collectors like ceiling fans.

• Wash Bedding: Your bed can harbor dust mites and pollen. Washing sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water at least weekly can keep irritants at bay.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) says eight out of 10 people in the U.S. are exposed to dust mites, and six out of 10 are subjected to cat or dog dander.

Simple habits can make a significant difference in reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says that besides pets, indoor allergen sources are carpeting, soft furniture, stuffed toys, bedding, indoor plants, and damp areas.

#2. Purify and Filter Indoor Air

Now, let’s discuss some powerful tools for fighting indoor allergens in Portland and the surrounding areas: air purifiers, high-quality HVAC filters, ultraviolet (UV) lamps, and humidity control systems.

Air Purifiers: Whole-house air purifiers filter out airborne particles like pollen and pet dander, releasing cleaner air into your home. Some purifiers use hydrogen peroxide or photocatalytic oxidation technologies. These purifiers release oxidizing agents into the air and can neutralize pollutants, including bacteria and viruses.

Carrier uses “Captures & Kills” technology in its Infinity^® system air purifiers. The units produce electrically charged ions that attach to airborne particles and pull the contaminants to a high-efficiency filter. An electric field kills the particles, viruses, and bacteria.

At Pyramid Heating & Cooling, we offer whole-home and portable Carrier air purifiers.

Filtration: Upgrading your standard air filter to a high-efficiency option can turn your HVAC system into a whole-house air filtration system. Look for filters with a higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating, such as 11 or 13.

MERV 13 filters can restrict airflow and are inappropriate for some HVAC systems. Check with your manufacturer’s guide or ask us at Pyramid Heating & Cooling if MERV 13 is the best choice for your HVAC unit.

Ultraviolet (UV) Lamps: UV lamps near your indoor evaporator coil kill bacteria and mold growing on the coil and drain pan.

Humidity Control: Healthy environments require the correct humidity level, which is between 30 and 50 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Too much moisture in the air can encourage mildew and mold growth, worsen allergies and respiratory problems, and cause wood to rot or warp. Low humidity can lead to dry skin, irritated sinus passages, static electricity, and damaged wood furniture and floors. A humidifier or dehumidifier can provide a remedy for dry or moist air.

Our Pyramid Heating & Cooling indoor air quality experts can assess your specific needs and recommend the best solutions to improve your indoor air quality and provide relief during Portland’s allergy season.

#3. Maintain Your HVAC System

Your heating and cooling system is vital to your home’s air quality. Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently and contributes to clean indoor air.

• Cleanliness is Key: Over time, dust, pollen, and other debris can accumulate in your HVAC system’s ductwork and components. This buildup can circulate throughout your home every time your system runs. During a tune-up, our Pyramid Heating & Cooling technicians clean these components, helping to remove potential allergen sources.

• Filter Changes: A dirty air filter does not capture particles as efficiently as a clean filter. Be sure to inspect your HVAC filter monthly and replace it when it is dirty. Your manufacturer’s instructions can provide more information about the type of filter you should use and its maximum lifespan. Our Pyramid Comfort Club maintenance plans include air filter replacement.

• Efficiency and Airflow: A well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently, ensuring proper airflow throughout your home. This consistent circulation helps to move air through your filters, maximizing their effectiveness in trapping allergens.

Our Pyramid Heating & Cooling team provides comprehensive maintenance services to keep your system running smoothly and your indoor air as clean as possible.

Make Clean Air a Priority

You can significantly enhance your living space by creating an allergen-free zone in your Portland home, using indoor air quality products, and maintaining your HVAC unit. Let us at Pyramid Heating and Cooling help you take the next step toward improved indoor air and allergy relief. Call us at 503-404-3337 or request service online.