Reduce Pollen Exposure

This has been an exceptionally tough allergy season for many people here in Connecticut. With high pollen counts and low rainfall, it feels like we’ve been sniffling and coughing for the best part of the spring. While the end is not quite in sight, there are plenty of things we can do to reduce our exposure. Here are my top ten tips:

1. Keep windows closed - It can be tempting to open up the windows on these gorgeous mornings, but pollen levels are generally the highest in the early hours of the day. 

2. Don’t wear shoes indoors - This is an easy way to bring pollen inside the house. Leave shoes outside or in your mudroom or breezeway to reduce allergen spread.

3. Consider an air purifier - A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter will help to neutralize pollen, especially in places like the bedroom where allergies may interfere with your sleep. 

4. Shower at night - Most of us enjoy a hot shower in the morning, but if you’re outside during the day, pollen is going to stick to your clothes and hair. Consider switching up your routine during peak allergy times.

5. Keep dirty clothes in a closed bin - Wash clothes frequently and consider using a laundry basket with a lid on it, especially if you keep it in your bedroom. 

6. Dry clothes indoors - if you hang your clothes on a line to dry, they are going to attract a lot of pollen. Now is the time to use an indoor drying rack.

7. Vacuum often - pollen can creep indoors easily, even if you’re removing shoes and taking other precautions. Consider vacuuming more frequently and be sure that your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter. 

8. Know what aggravates you - allergy season is long and people are affected by different types of exposures. Right now, tree pollen counts are very high and ragweed is very low. If you know what you’re sensitive to, you can be better prepared.

9. Plan ahead - Online apps and websites like Accuweather can help you plan your activities based on your allergy triggers. This is also very helpful when you’re traveling to another region or area.

10. Try saline spray - if you find yourself walking around with a blocked airway, a simple saline spray is a great way to keep the nasal passages clear.

While some people may experience mild allergies, others will be dealing with symptoms that are much more severe. While these ideas will help to reduce pollen exposure, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional healthcare provider for the best advice and treatment options.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Easy Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Home Cooler

When the weather gets too hot to handle, many homeowners simply crank up their air conditioning to stay comfortable. But what people may not realize is that the combination of cold air and high humidity could lead to leaks. So what can you do to stay cool without putting your home at risk? Here are some tips: 

Keep the filter clean. 

A dirty filter can cut your air conditioner’s efficiency in half, so be sure to replace or wash it at least once a month during the summer. Not only will a clean filter enable more cold air to come through the unit, but it will also decrease the amount of pollen, dander, and even mold that you could be breathing in. Many people don’t know that air conditioning units are rated by their MERV, which stands for minimum efficiency reporting value or, more simply, the effectiveness of the filter. MERV ratings are between one and 20, with most home air conditioning units rating between one and 12. If you’re in the market for a new filter, choose one at the top of the scale as it can trap smaller particles and protect your home from mold spores, dust mites, and other nasty contaminants. 

Make sure your windows are leak-free. 

Window A/C units are tough to fit and often result in large gaps where the hot air outside can come in. Make sure all the space around the air conditioner is sealed up tight with foam for bigger gaps or simple foil tape for smaller areas. The materials you’ll need can all be found at the local hardware store and you’ll be shocked by the difference in air temperature by just plugging up those holes. 

Run the unit on a timer.

There is no point running your A/C on high when you’re at work or away for the weekend. A digital timer will lower the unit’s output when you’re not at home, and then bring the house to a comfortable level by the time you walk in the door. By programming a timer to your preferences, you can lengthen the life of the unit and lower your energy bills without noticing a difference in the level of comfort. If you don’t rely on Alexa, you can buy a smart plug for your outlet to control your A/C from your phone.

Up your insulation.

If your attic isn’t properly insulated, it’s going to be a sauna up there. You don’t even need to go up to check - you can tell simply by touching your ceiling. If it feels hot, then imagine how hard it is for a window unit or even central A/C to compete. A well-insulated and ventilated attic will ensure that hot air can escape while keeping cool air circulating in the living areas of the home. Plus, proper insulation comes in mighty handy during the cold months of the year.  

Watch for leaks. 

Central air conditioning units are notorious for leaks for three reasons: a cracked or broken drain pan, a clogged air filter, or a plugged-up condensate line. If water can’t drain properly, it will end up in your ceiling or walls which can cause serious and expensive damage. If you see even the smallest leak, shut down the unit and inspect these three areas. A simple fix might save you thousands in damage if you act quickly. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Maintain Your AC Unit for a Cool, Cool Summer

The summer heat and humidity can be a killer, and if you’re like most homeowners you simply crank up the air conditioning when the weather gets too hot to handle. Unfortunately, an overflow of cold air can put your home at risk, and I don’t just mean your energy bills. Just this past week I have had a dozen calls from homeowners in the area whose exuberance for A/C has turned into a leak, damaging internal walls and ceilings and leaving a heck of a mess to clean up. So if you’re inclined to keep those A/C units on heavy rotation, follow these tips to ensure that your home stays protected for the rest of the summer.

Keep the filter clean.

A dirty filter can cut your air conditioner’s efficiency in half, so be sure to replace or wash it at least once a month during the summer. Not only will a clean filter enable more cold air to come out of the unit, it will also decrease the amount of pollen, dander, and even mold that you could be breathing in. Many people don’t know that air conditioning units are rated by their MERV, which stands for minimum efficiency reporting value or, more simply, the effectiveness of the filter. MERV ratings are between one and 20, with most home air conditioning units rating between one and 12. If you’re in the market for a new filter, choose one at the top of the scale as they can trap smaller particles and protect your home from mold spores, dust mites, and other nasty contaminants.

Make sure the window is leak free.

Window A/C units are tough to fit and often result in large gaps where the hot air outside can come in. Make sure all the space around the air conditioner is sealed up tight with foam for bigger gaps or simple foil tape for smaller areas. The materials you’ll need can all be found at the local hardware store and you’ll be shocked by the difference in air temperature by just plugging up those leaks.

Run the unit on a timer.

There is no point in running your A/C on high when you’re at work or away for the weekend. A digital timer will lower the unit’s output when you’re not at home, and then bring the house to a comfortable level by the time you walk in the door. By programming a timer to your preferences you can lengthen the life of the unit and lower your energy bills without noticing a difference in the level of comfort. If your air conditioner doesn’t have a timer, you can get one for as little as $10 online or at the home improvement store in your neighborhood.

Up your insulation.

If your attic isn’t properly insulated, it’s going to be a sauna up there. You don’t even need to go up to check - you can tell simply by touching your ceiling. If it feels hot, then imagine how hard it is for a window unit or even central A/C to compete with all that heat. A well insulated and ventilated attic will ensure that the hot air can escape while keeping the cool air circulating in the living areas of the home. Plus, proper insulation comes in mighty handy during the cold months of the year.

Watch for leaks.

Central air conditioning units are notorious for leaks for three reasons: a cracked or broken drain pan, a clogged air filter or a plugged up condensate line. If water can’t drain properly, it will end up in your ceiling or walls which can cause serious and expensive damage. If you see even the smallest leak, shut down the unit and inspect these three areas. A simple fix might save you thousands in damage if you act quickly.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.