If you live in Houston, you already know that cedar season is not just an inconvenience. Mountain cedar trees release enormous quantities of pollen between December and February, creating the most intense seasonal allergy event in the region. What most Houston residents do not realize is that their home’s HVAC system plays a significant role in how much cedar pollen they are actually exposed to indoors.
How Cedar Pollen Enters Your HVAC System
Cedar pollen grains measure approximately 25 microns in diameter — small enough to pass through most standard residential air filters and enter the interior of your ductwork. When your system is running during peak cedar season, which lasts approximately eight to ten weeks, millions of cedar pollen grains are drawn through return vents and deposited on interior duct surfaces, the evaporator coil, and inside the plenum box.
This pollen remains inside your ductwork long after the outdoor season ends, serving as a continuous allergen source every time the system operates. And when the cooling season begins, the moist surface of the evaporator coil combines with the accumulated cedar pollen to create ideal conditions for mold growth inside your HVAC system.
What You Can Do During Cedar Season
Replace air filters every 20 to 30 days during peak cedar season instead of the standard 30 to 60 day interval. Keep windows and doors closed on dry, windy days when pollen counts are highest. Run your HVAC fan continuously during peak pollen hours to improve filtration. Schedule professional duct cleaning in late winter, immediately after the peak of cedar season, to remove the heavy pollen accumulation before it contributes to mold growth during the cooling season.
Book Your Free Inspection
If cedar season is affecting your family’s quality of life, schedule a free inspection. Our technicians will document the condition of all 8 components and assess the extent of pollen and biological contamination inside your system.
[Book a Free Inspection](https://crm.ahchooindoorair.com/book)
AH-CHOO! Indoor Air Quality serves Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and South Louisiana. NADCA certified. Average job time: 7 hours. 8 components cleaned every service. 38 years of experience.