This pollen season is shaping up to be the longest on record in Oregon, but experts say there are many free or low-cost things people can do around their home to keep their indoor air clean that will also save money on energy bills.
Warmer temperatures mean more plants are creating pollen at the same time, and the state’s pollen season is about a month longer than in the 1970s.
Just as in wildfire season, said Jami Seymore, spokesperson for the Energy Trust of Oregon, when there is a high pollen count, filters on H-VAC systems can get dirtier faster.
“That means your system has to work even harder to get that same amount of air pushed through, and that uses more energy,” she said. “So check your filter maybe about every two to three weeks rather than every few months and replace it if it looks dirty.”
She added that people should make sure to check the guidelines for their systems to make sure they are using the right kind of filter, as that can also be an expensive energy drain.
Seymore said anywhere air can get into a home, pollen can, too. She recommended using weather stripping to seal up any gaps and cracks around doors, windows and vents. She added that it’s a good idea to keep windows closed when the pollen is high, and recommended people switch thermostats to the ‘fan only” setting.
“That means the air distribution and filtration keeps that clean air inside,” she said, “and it uses less energy than, say, a full system cycle.”
Portable air filters can travel from room to room and help keep air breathable, especially if they have a HEPA filter. Seymore said Energy Trust offers a $75 discount on some Energy Star, high-efficiency air purifiers.
