How to Keep Pollen out of Your Home and HVAC System

If you have seasonal allergies, you know the pain of waking up to a runny nose and itchy eyes, only to realize it’s pollen season. It seems like this spring byproduct can stick to just about everything and follow you home to boot. Here’s how to combat pollen in your Houston home and how to keep it out in the future!

Does Pollen Get in HVAC Systems and Why Does it Matter?

Your AC unit (and heating system, when Houston gets cold enough to need it) draws air from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout your home. Outside air riddled with pollen (and other irritants) gets drawn inside and pushed through your home alongside the treated air. Luckily, pollen won’t hurt your air conditioner any more than dust buildup does. However, this indoor pollen distribution can leave you constantly reaching for the tissues if you have allergies.

How to Keep Pollen Out of Your Home

When possible, it’s best to keep pollen out altogether. Here are some simple ways to keep pollen outside where it belongs.

• Choose your filters carefully. Two kinds of filters can help you: a window pollen filter (which replaces your window screens) and an HVAC pollen filter.

The best pollen filter for home use is a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter, but these filters are not compatible with all air conditioners. Maintain airflow by choosing a MERV-rated filter as high as your system can handle. We recommend a rating of 9-12, which removes small particles like pollen without blocking airflow.

• Use an air purifier. Place an air purifier near the window you open most to filter air before it gets into your home.
• Keep windows shut and well-sealed. One of the best ways to prevent indoor pollen is to keep your windows closed and ensure they don’t leak.
• Clean your outdoor AC. Pollen, or plant matter containing pollen, can pile up around your outdoor air conditioner. A twice-a-year air conditioner tune-up can help reduce the pollen making its way into your AC. A professional appointment will include a professional clearing away debris and cleaning your outdoor unit to improve airflow, but you can also clear away large debris between tune-ups yourself.
• Keep your outdoor gear separate. Shoes and jackets can track pollen through your home, so keep them away from living areas and wash them regularly.

How to Remove Pollen from Your Home

If pollen does get inside, removing it from the air and anything it’s settled on can be a pain. Here’s how to get rid of pollen if it does get inside.

• Install an air purifier. Air purifiers add an extra level of filtration and can remove the pollen in your home’s air.
• Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming once a week during pollen season can help reduce symptoms, especially if you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Dust with microfiber. A damp microfiber cloth traps the most pollen particles. Make sure to dust the highest surfaces first, and don’t forget window coverings and your ceiling fan.
• Get your ducts cleaned professionally. If pollen in the vents exacerbates your allergies, schedule a professional cleaning. The experts can remove pollen from your air ducts, leaving them clean for the next time the AC kicks on.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is Pollen Season in Houston?

Houston is not particularly kind to allergy sufferers. Texas cedar kicks off allergy season by blooming in January. The mild climate encourages other plants to bloom (and spread pollen) into fall. If you are allergic to a specific pollen, you may experience allergies sooner or later than others. Trees usually release their pollen first. Grass pollen becomes a problem in late spring through early summer, while weeds join allergy season in late summer through mid-fall.

The City of Houston provides a daily mold and pollen count, so you can check how many allergens are floating around before you start your day.

When Does Pollen Season End in Houston?

Pollen season usually ends in September. However, a mild fall and winter may mean that the pollen season lasts even longer. If you’re allergic to tree pollen, symptoms may peter out in late spring. Grass pollen decreases in the early summer. Weed allergy season lasts into early fall.

What’s the Best Time to Open Windows to Avoid Pollen?

If you want to let in some fresh air, open your windows on clear, dry afternoons and evenings. Flowers, trees, and grasses are most likely to release pollen at night or in the early morning, so try opening your windows after lunch or when you get home.

Fight Pollen Clogs with Professional HVAC Service

You should always be comfortable at home, even during pollen season. At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Houston, we put our expertise to work for you, keeping you comfortable all year long. If you're looking to combat pollen and other irritants, we recommend starting with a spring tune-up. Our professionals can also walk you through the best options to improve your indoor air quality at home. Call us at (713) 352-7903 or book an appointment online.