Spring Allergies Start Indoors: 5 HVAC Steps Before Pollen Peaks

If spring allergies hit your household hard, timing matters. Lowe’s Air Duct Cleaning recommends preparing your HVAC system before pollen surges to reduce the number of circulating allergens in your home. Fortunately, a few targeted steps can make a noticeable difference.

1. Keep pollen from entering in the first place

Start with the obvious (and surprisingly effective) move: keep windows and doors closed on high-pollen days. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America also recommends running your air conditioner on recirculate to help limit the amount of outdoor allergens, like pollen, that enter your home.

2. Upgrade your filter—and change it more often

Your HVAC filter is your first line of defense. AAFA specifically calls out changing filters regularly as part of keeping pollen out. If allergies are a yearly problem, consider a filter upgrade (higher-efficiency pleated options), but make sure it’s compatible with your system so airflow doesn’t suffer.

3. Clean the “collection points.”

Returns and supply registers are where dust first shows up. Vacuum grilles, wipe nearby trim, and keep furniture from blocking returns. It’s quick, it’s cheap, and it helps your system breathe—especially when you’re running the HVAC more during spring swings.

4. Schedule duct cleaning when the signs point to it

The EPA doesn’t recommend routine duct cleaning for every home, but it does say it may be worth considering as needed—for example, if you have visible mold growth in ducts/components, ducts clogged with heavy debris, pests/rodents, or particles releasing into the home.

If you’re noticing faster dust buildup, musty odors, or airflow issues during spring start-up, a professional duct cleaning can be a smart reset—especially after renovations, pets, or years without service.

5. Consider an antimicrobial add-on only when it makes sense

Some homeowners ask about antimicrobial treatments as an extra step. EPA’s guidance is clear: understand the pros and cons first, since effectiveness and potential impacts vary by situation. If a technician finds conditions that justify it, you can decide with confidence—without defaulting to “spray everything.”

Bring in the Pros Before Pollen Peaks

If you’d like help getting your system spring-ready, Lowe’s Air Duct Cleaning can handle duct cleaning, help you choose the right filter approach, and discuss optional add-ons based on what they actually find in your system. Contact our team at (800) 699-0955 to unlock special pricing, schedule service, and ask questions.