Spring in the Fraser Valley brings blooming trees, fresh green growth, and unfortunately, a significant pollen season. If you or someone in your household deals with seasonal allergies, a few practical steps inside your home can make a real difference to how comfortable you feel during the worst of it.
Start with Your Air Filtration
Replace your furnace filter with a higher-rated option during allergy season. Filters with a MERV rating of 11 or higher are effective at capturing pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Change it monthly during peak season (typically April through June in coastal BC). If you have a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter, run it in the rooms where you spend the most time.
Manage What Comes Through Your Doors and Windows
On high-pollen days, keep windows closed and rely on your HVAC system for ventilation. Check pollen forecasts online before opening up the house. Keep a mat at every exterior door and encourage a shoes-off policy to reduce the amount of outdoor allergens tracked inside. If you’ve been spending time outdoors, change your clothes and wash your hands when you come in.
Clean Strategically
Vacuum at least twice a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Pay extra attention to upholstered furniture, rugs, and curtains, which trap allergens. Wash bedding in hot water weekly. Dust with a damp cloth rather than a dry one, which just redistributes particles into the air.
Control Humidity
Dust mites and mould both thrive in humidity above 50%. In the Fraser Valley’s damp spring climate, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, run a dehumidifier if needed, and check for any areas where moisture is accumulating, such as around windows, under sinks, or in basements.
Pay Attention to Your Outdoor Spaces
If you have a balcony or patio, keep outdoor furniture wiped down during pollen season. Avoid drying laundry outdoors on high-pollen days, as clothing and linens will collect allergens. If you’re gardening, opt for low-pollen plants and do your heaviest garden work on damp, windless days when pollen counts tend to be lower.
>A comfortable home is one where you can relax and breathe easy. If you’re thinking about your next move or want to know how your home is positioned in the market, the Schreder Brothers team is here with trusted guidance.
