Spring Allergy/IAQ update

BillW

It's early spring, the glaciers on our streets are melting, the polar bears that have been turning over our trash cans have headed north, and we're crawling out of our igloos blinking at that strange, warm object in the sky!



However, spring brings with it the start of allergy season, with pollen counts going up rapidly. Tree pollen shows up first, usually in late March, and peaks in April. Maple, birch, cedar, sycamore, poplar and juniper are the most common. Grass and weeds don't show up until mid May, with grass ending in mid-September, weeds, especially plantain and ragweed ending in early November. Mold spores fluctuate, and are washed out of the air with the pollen when it rains, but a couple days after the rain, they come back strongly.



One ritual of spring is airing out the house, and hanging out linens to freshen in the breeze. If you have allergies, this is NOT a good idea. Pollen blowing in the air gets into the house, trapped on linens, even in the coats of pets who are prowling the "jungle" while they are outside.



ONLY a trained Doctor (Allergist) can tell your exactly what you are allergic to, and only they can prescribe the proper medication. For homeowners and HVAC pros, 'tis the season to change air filters, wash the pre-filters and collectors in your electronic air cleaners. Remember that the higher the "MERV" number, the more particles a filter removes, and that the basic 1" throwaways have no air quality function other than keeping dust bunnies, thread and pet hair out of the machinery. Wash electronic air cleaner prefilters in a sink, using "Simple Green" or other non-toxic detergent. The collector cells can be washed in a deep sink, using "Simple Green" and hot water, or with a low pressure nozzle on a pressure washer, or in the dishwasher. DO NOT use a powder detergent in the dishwasher! Use a gel or liquid, since they don't leave a residue. DO NOT use the dry cycle. It only bakes on any gunk that didn't get washed off. You may need to run the cells thru a couple cycles, especially if you do a lot of frying or smoking.



Once you have cleaned the filters/air cleaners, keep the windows closed, and run the fan on your system in the "on" position, to keep air circulating thru the filter or air cleaner. Some thermostats have a "circ" feature that runs the fan 3 times/ hour, regardless of a call for heat or cooling. If you do not have a forced air system, individual room units with a fan and a filter work, IF you keep the door and windows closed and run the fans on low speed 24/7. NO air quality accessory will "cure" anything! However, if properly used, they can help minimize your exposure to pollen, dust mite debris and other air-borne allergens. Pass the Kleenex!