Five Ways To Take Control of Indoor Air During Pollen Season

Spring in Connecticut looks great on social media, but in real life, pollen season can be a pain for allergy sufferers. If your eyes are itchy, your throat feels scratchy, and your sleep is off, that’s not just “spring vibes.” That’s your body reacting to what’s in the air.

And here’s the part most people miss: you can shut your front door, but pollen still gets in. It rides in on your clothes, your kids, your dog, your groceries and then settles into your rugs, couches, and vents. So now your “safe space” is basically recirculating the problem.

The fix for indoor air isn’t complicated, but you do have to be a little intentional.

1. Start with the air you’re actually breathing. A HEPA air purifier isn’t a luxury this time of year, it’s a baseline. These filters are built to catch the stuff that’s making you miserable: pollen, dust, and pet dander. Put one in the rooms you use the most, especially bedrooms, and let it run. Constantly. Not “once in a while when it feels bad.” If you want to go one step further, look for a unit with a carbon filter. It’ll help with odors and other irritants that pile onto the problem.

2. Next: stop inviting pollen inside. Yes, open windows feel amazing. They also undo everything you’re trying to fix. On high pollen days, keep them closed and run your AC instead. Your HVAC system should have a decent filter (MERV 11 or higher) and it needs to be changed regularly. I recommend every month or two during peak season.

3. Create a drop zone and actually use it. Shoes off at the door, jackets stay by the entry, and bags don’t make it to the kitchen counter. This isn’t about being tidy; it’s about stopping pollen from spreading through your house. Also, if you’ve been outside for a while, change your clothes and think about changing your shower routine to nighttime so you’re not sleeping with pollen in your hair. 

4. Clean like it matters, because it does. Pollen settles into everything soft. Vacuum at least once or twice a week with a HEPA vacuum, and don’t just hit the obvious spots. Upholstery counts, so do corners and edges. If you want to go further, steam cleaning can help pull out what regular vacuuming leaves behind.

5. Be smart about “fresh air” inside. Plants can help, but not all of them. Skip anything heavily fragrant or pollen-producing and stick with low-maintenance options like snake plants or peace lilies. And keep an eye on the soil, mold in a plant pot will absolutely make things worse.

You’re not going to eliminate pollen. But you can stop your home from becoming a storage unit for it. A few targeted changes like cleaner air, better filters and tighter routines can mean better sleep, clearer sinuses, and fewer days feeling like you’re fighting your own house.

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.

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.