Christmas time is my favorite time of year. Everyone is typically in a great mood. Families are spending time together. Even the stress is generally positive in nature.
But there’s one thing I can’t stand about the end of the year – the start of mountain cedar season.
Mountain cedar usually starts showing up on the allergy reports in mid-December, shortly after the first freeze of the year. Right on time, we’re already seeing cedar in the “Light” range here in San Antonio. My head is already feeling the effects, as well.
So what can you do to fight mountain cedar? Beyond medication or visits to an allergist, there are a few simple things you can do involving your AC system.
- Most importantly, you need to protect the air your family is breathing. That means using high-quality, pleated air filters. Look for filters with a higher MERV rating. Yes, these filters cost more. But if you suffer from cedar allergies, it will be worth it.
- Speaking of filters, make sure you’re regularly changing them during cedar season (December-February). If mountain cedar hits you especially hard, you may want to change your filter every two weeks.
- Finally, look into investing in an air purification system. These UV lights are the same things used to keep things sterile in hospitals. Champion Home Services can install the system in your air ducts, and it kills contaminants in the air before it travels through the ducts to your lungs.
I hope the sniffling and sneezing is kept to a minimum this year. But it’s always best to plan, regardless. Happy holidays!
