How to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Pollen Season

Spring in Connecticut is a beautiful thing with longer days, blossoming trees, and the long-awaited return of greenery. But if your eyes are watering, your nose is running, and you feel like you’re living in a cloud of dust, you’re not imagining it. Tree pollen is heavy right now across the state, and it’s taking a toll on our sinuses, our sleep, and even our mood.

What many people don’t realize is that spring allergies aren’t just an outdoor problem. Pollen doesn’t politely stay outside. It hitches a ride on your clothes, shoes, pets, and open windows, settling in your carpets, upholstery, and air ducts. The result? Your indoor air can be just as allergy-triggering as the great outdoors. Fortunately, a few smart strategies can dramatically improve your home’s air quality and help you breathe easier this season.

1. Invest in a High-Quality Air Purifier

One of the most effective ways to combat indoor allergens like pollen is to use a HEPA air purifier. These devices are designed to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust, and pet dander. Place a purifier in high-traffic areas, such as the living room or bedroom, and keep it running continuously during peak pollen season. If you have allergy sufferers at home, consider one for each bedroom.

Bonus tip: Look for purifiers with activated carbon filters to reduce odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can further irritate sensitive airways.

2. Keep Windows Closed (Sorry, We Know)

There’s nothing more tempting than cracking open a window on a sunny spring day. But during high pollen days, open windows are like rolling out the red carpet for allergens. Use air conditioning instead, and make sure your HVAC system is fitted with a high-efficiency filter (MERV 11 or higher is ideal). Don’t forget to change it every 1-2 months during allergy season.

3. Do the “Pollen Peel-Off” at the Door

Designate a “drop zone” near your entryway where family members can leave shoes, jackets, and bags. This helps prevent pollen from being tracked deeper into your home. If you’ve been outside for a while, especially after a hike or time in the garden, consider changing clothes and rinsing off. Pollen loves to cling to fabric and hair.

4. Vacuum Like You Mean It

Vacuuming once or twice a week with a HEPA-equipped vacuum cleaner can make a big difference. Pollen settles in rugs, furniture, and curtains, so make those part of your cleaning routine too. For an extra level of clean, consider using a steam cleaner on soft surfaces.

5. Bring in the Green Wisely

Some houseplants can help purify indoor air, but others might aggravate allergies. Skip the highly fragrant or pollen-heavy varieties, and opt for air-cleansing champs like spider plants, peace lilies, or snake plants. And always check for mold buildup in the soil, which can trigger symptoms.

Spring doesn’t have to mean months of misery. With a little planning and some tech help, you can keep pollen outside and reclaim the fresh, healthy air your home deserves.

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.

10 Ways To Reduce Pollen at Home

This has been an exceptionally tough allergy season for many people 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 is plenty we can do to reduce our exposure. Here are my top ten tips:

1. Keep windows closed - It can be tempting to open 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 neutralize pollen, especially in places like the bedroom where allergies may interfere with 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 and grass pollen is 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.

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.