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.

A Quick Guide to Christmas Tree Varieties

With so many beautiful Christmas trees to choose from, it can be hard to pick a style and species to suit a family’s home and unique needs. You might not know that some trees are better for kids while others are great for people with allergies. Yet other varieties are good for certain types of heat and can withstand warmer, dryer temperatures for longer. So without further ado, here is my list of the top trees that you’ll find at your local farm or stand, and some of the key differences to help you find your perfect match. 

Balsam Fir

One of the most popular picks for Christmas is a balsam fir, which is loved for its sturdy needles, bright green color, strong scent, and beautiful shape. Because of its popularity, the balsam fir is also one of the more affordable options of all the different tree types. You can’t go wrong with this classic, which grows strong and lasts long. Plus, like most firs, it’s hypoallergenic too. 

White Pine

This is another winner but for a much different reason than the balsam. White pines are loved by families for their super soft texture and touchable needles. They can grow very large and they are also inexpensive, which makes them the choice tree for many people with young children. One thing to note about this species is that those soft needles grow from delicate branches, so only go this route if you have lightweight ornaments. 

Douglas Fir

Though called a fir, the Douglas is actually a species all its own. While grown mainly in the Northwest region of the United States, this tree is popular all over the country because it’s tough enough to withstand early cutting and lots of traveling. The needles are soft with a sweet fragrance and the shape is conical, making it easy and fun to decorate without too much precision.

Blue Spruce

The color of this tree makes it the hero of any holiday decor. Those beautiful bluish needles are easy to fall in love with, but decorator beware - those babies are sharp! If you have a good set of gloves, they will be well worth using to get this tree in place. But once it’s decorated, you can rest easy as pets tend to keep their distance. 

Concolor Fir

The concolor is a favorite in my house because it has all the wonderful characteristics of the fir species - great shape, good color, strong branches, and long needles. The difference is the smell. Unlike most Christmas trees, this variety offers a beautiful citrus scent, keeping the house bright and fresh smelling through the holidays. 

What type of tree does your family love? Is there one I have missed that makes its way into your house year after year? I’d love to hear from you - shoot me a message on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions 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.

Tackling Humidity Hazards at Home

With all of this heat, humidity, and rain, now is the perfect time to talk about what high moisture does to your home. 

Let’s start with a bit of background. Mold is made up of thousands of microscopic spores that travel through the air until they land on a surface. They love to live in places that hold water, which is why you often see mold growing on trees, roofs, and other places that stay warm and damp. Indoor mold generally develops after being carried in from the outdoors or because of a leak that hasn’t been remedied. Homes that tend to hold a lot of humidity are more susceptible to a mold infestation, something that no homeowner wants to deal with. 

Many people are sensitive to mold and mildew, especially children and the elderly. It grows and spreads incredibly quickly and cannot be contained without removing its food source, which is water. Once it settles inside a home, mold can cause illness, asthma, and a host of other respiratory issues that can affect a person’s health for life.

So how can you get rid of mold in your living space, or prevent it from making a home in yours? Here are my top tips.

1. Run a dehumidifier in your basement constantly. I have an air-tight finished basement and I still run a dehumidifier 24/7. The goal here is to keep your air humidity at or below 50%. When it’s raining or super humid, don’t be surprised if you have to dump the water collection bucket twice a day. 

2. Always use the extractor fan while showering or cooking. With so much water in the air from the weather, the last thing you want to do is add more moisture inside your home. Be sure that your fans vent outside, not in the attic. Otherwise, you’re just redirecting the moisture to another part of the house. 

3. An air conditioner is not a dehumidifier. Sure, it will remove some humidity but an air conditioner’s main function is to cool the air, rather than remove the water. If you find yourself running your A/C unit to control your humidity, you’re going to end up with an expensive energy bill and not too much to show for it.

4. Store unused clothing and linens in airtight plastic. People often put winter clothes and bedding up in the attic, which can be a breeding ground for mold if the area is not ventilated properly. Keeping the attic vented is key, good airflow can slow or even prevent mold growth.

5. Rain has been plentiful so far this month, so check your drainage. Gutters should be clean and in working order and your landscaping should slope away from the foundation so you don’t have standing water at the base of your home. Make sure your downspouts extend at least four feet out and away from the house.

In short, a house with high humidity is nothing to ignore. If you suspect that your home might be susceptible to mold, it’s worth purchasing an inexpensive humidity gauge to find out. Remember, a mold problem can be a serious health risk to your family if not dealt with properly. 

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.