"Indoor allergies" is a term that is broadly used to describe those who are allergic to mold spores, dust, dust mites, and even cockroach dander. These substances all have one thing in common: they easily become airborne. In other words, they can be picked up by the air and blown throughout the space. This is why so many people with indoor allergies have trouble living in spaces with forced air heating. Each time the heat kicks on, it blows allergens into their faces! Luckily, this does not mean you have to live without heat. Here are a few types of heating systems that work well for those with indoor allergies.

Underfloor Radiant Heating

Underfloor radiant heating systems include a hot water boiler, which is an appliance that heats water. The water then circulates through closed pipes that are spaced out beneath your floorboards. The floor becomes warm, and that heat then radiates throughout the room. There's no air being blown about, and there aren't even obvious radiators to keep clean, which makes this heating system a good choice for those with allergies. 

Underfloor radiant heating is a very "comfortable" type of heating. Walking across a warm floor on a chilly day would feel nice! The one downfall of this type of system is that it's really hard to install in a home that's already been built. It really only works well with new construction.

Steam Boiler Heating

Another type of heating, called steam boiler heating, includes a boiler that heats water so much that the water turns to steam. The steam then travels through pipes to devices called radiators. These are usually box-shaped units that are situated in the corners of rooms, or along walls. 

Steam boiler heating doesn't circulate air and is a good choice for allergy sufferers. The radiators themselves do attract some dust and dirt, so you'll need to wipe them down now and then. Steam boiler heating can be installed in already-built homes. The pipes that carry the steam to the radiators are pretty small, so they can be incorporated into most wall spaces without too much trouble. That being said, the radiators do get hot and may not be the safest choice for families with small children.

If you have allergies, forced air heating may not be the best choice for you. Fortunately, radiant underfloor heating and steam boiler heating are both good options. 

For more information, reach out to a heating company and ask about your options for heating systems.