Cut Allergens in Your Portland Home
Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores - Portland has them all. We install HVAC-based systems that actually reduce allergen levels throughout your home, not just in one room.
Common Allergens in Portland Homes
Spring (Mar-May)
- • Tree pollen (birch, oak, maple)
- • High pollen counts
- • Outdoor activity triggers
Summer (June-Aug)
- • Grass pollen
- • Outdoor allergens
- • Higher pollen concentrations
Fall (Sept-Oct)
- • Ragweed pollen
- • Mold spores from wet leaves
- • Harvest allergens
Year-Round
- • Dust mites
- • Pet dander
- • Mold spores
- • Indoor allergens
Portland Rankings
- • High for pollen allergies
- • Top 10 U.S. cities for allergies
- • Mold issues from 165 rainy days
Allergy Season
- • Year-round pollen exposure
- • Multiple allergen types
- • Indoor/outdoor triggers
How Your HVAC System Fights Allergens
MERV 11-13 Filters
- •Capture pollen, pet dander, dust
- •Cost: $30-$60 per filter
- •Replace: Every 3-6 months
- •Portland pollen solution
Entry-level allergen control
HEPA Filtration
- •99.97% allergen removal
- •Includes mold spores, viruses
- •Cost: $800-$2,000 installed
- •Filter replacement: $60-$150
Hospital-grade air quality
UV-C Lights
- •Kill mold spores in ducts
- •Reduce microbial allergens
- •Cost: $600-$900 installed
- •Bulb replacement: $100-$200/year
Mold and bacteria elimination
Air Scrubbers
- •Reduce airborne allergens
- •Continuous purification
- •Cost: $1,200-$2,000 installed
- •Cell replacement: $200-$300/2-3 years
Advanced allergen neutralization
Our Multi-Layer Allergen Reduction Plan
Step 1: Upgrade to MERV 11-13 Filters Minimum
Start with high-efficiency filtration as the foundation. Replace standard filters with MERV 11-13 rated filters that capture most airborne allergens.
This simple step reduces allergens by 70-80% at minimal cost.
Step 2: Install UV-C Light (Mold Control)
Add UV-C germicidal lights to kill mold spores and other microbial allergens in your HVAC system before they circulate.
Essential for Portland's humid climate and mold-prone homes.
Step 3: Duct Cleaning (Remove Accumulated Allergens)
Professional duct cleaning removes years of accumulated pollen, dust mites, and pet dander from your ductwork.
One-time deep cleaning followed by regular filter maintenance.
Step 4: Consider HEPA or Air Scrubber (Severe Allergies)
For severe allergies or asthma, add HEPA filtration or air scrubbers for maximum allergen removal and air purification.
These advanced systems provide hospital-grade air quality at home.
Step 5: Humidity Control (Dust Mites)
Maintain 40-50% relative humidity to prevent dust mite proliferation and reduce mold growth.
Whole-home humidification/dehumidification systems maintain optimal humidity levels.
Simple Steps Beyond Your HVAC System
Bedding & Fabrics
- • Wash bedding weekly in hot water (130°F+)
- • Use allergen-proof mattress/pillow covers
- • Replace carpets with hardwood/tile
- • Use washable area rugs
Cleaning & Maintenance
- • Vacuum with HEPA filter vacuum
- • Dust surfaces with microfiber cloths
- • Clean humidifiers/dehumidifiers regularly
- • Maintain humidity 40-50%
Pet Management
- • Limit pets in bedrooms
- • Wash pets weekly
- • Use air purifiers in pet areas
- • Regular grooming to reduce shedding
Personal Habits
- • Shower before bed (remove pollen)
- • Change clothes after outdoor activities
- • Keep windows closed during high pollen
- • Use air conditioning with clean filters
Portland's Allergen Calendar - Season by Season
Spring (Mar-May): Tree Pollen Season
- • Replace filters before pollen season starts
- • Run HVAC fan continuously to filter air
- • Keep windows closed during high pollen days
- • Shower and change clothes after outdoor time
Summer (June-Aug): Grass & Outdoor Allergens
- • Continue with high-MERV filtration
- • Use air conditioning to filter incoming air
- • Keep outdoor activity to early morning/evening
- • Regular HVAC filter checks
Fall (Sept-Oct): Ragweed & Mold
- • Watch for mold spores from wet leaves
- • Replace filters again before ragweed season
- • Clean gutters to prevent mold growth
- • Monitor indoor humidity levels
Year-Round: Indoor Allergen Control
- • Monthly filter checks and replacement
- • Annual HVAC maintenance and cleaning
- • Consistent humidity control (40-50%)
- • Regular cleaning with HEPA vacuums
What Allergen Reduction Costs - and What It Saves
Entry-Level
$30-$60
Per filter change
- • MERV 11-13 filters
- • 3-6 month replacement
- • 70-80% allergen reduction
- • Low cost, easy maintenance
Mid-Range
$1,000-$1,500
Initial investment
- • MERV 13 filters + UV-C
- • Duct cleaning
- • 90%+ allergen reduction
- • Professional installation
Full Coverage
$3,500-$5,000
Complete system
- • HEPA + UV + air scrubber
- • Humidity control
- • 99%+ allergen elimination
- • Hospital-grade air quality
Health & Cost Benefits
Reduced medical costs + better quality of life
Payback through lower medication costs, fewer doctor visits, and improved productivity
Real Results From Portland Homeowners
Portland Family: 70% Symptom Reduction
"Our daughter suffered from severe allergies year-round. After installing HEPA filtration and UV lights, her allergy symptoms reduced by 70%. She no longer needs daily medication and can finally enjoy outdoor activities."
- Portland Family, Northwest Portland
Pet Owners: Eliminated Pet Dander Odors
"We have 3 dogs and the pet dander was unbearable. The air scrubber eliminated all pet odors within 48 hours. Our allergies are gone and the house smells fresh. Best investment we've made for our family's health."
- Happy Pet Owners, Happy Valley
Asthmatic Child: Fewer Asthma Attacks
"Our son had weekly asthma attacks during pollen season. Since installing the full allergen system, he hasn't had a single attack. The HEPA filters and UV lights made all the difference."
- Grateful Parents, Beaverton
Allergen Reduction FAQs
What's the best HVAC solution for Portland allergies?
For Portland's pollen and mold, start with MERV 13 filters - they capture 90% of allergens. Add UV-C lights to kill mold spores on the coil, and step up to HEPA filtration if allergies are severe. Pair with humidity control at 40-50% to starve dust mites. We'll evaluate your specific triggers and build the right combination.
Will better air filtration really reduce my allergy symptoms?
Clinical studies show 70-90% symptom reduction with proper filtration in place. HEPA captures 99.97% of airborne allergens, UV kills mold spores, and air scrubbers neutralize chemical irritants. Most of our customers notice a real difference within the first 1-2 weeks.
Do I need professional installation or can I just buy better filters?
You can buy better filters yourself, but getting the install right matters. We evaluate your HVAC system, make modifications if needed, and verify airflow. A filter that's too restrictive for your blower can cause damage or just not work well. Plus, we provide ongoing support and maintenance scheduling.
How much does a full allergen reduction system cost?
Entry-level: $30-$60 per filter change (MERV 11-13). Mid-range: $1,000-$1,500 initial investment for filters, UV lights, and duct cleaning. Full system: $3,500-$5,000 for HEPA filtration + UV + air scrubber. Costs scale with home size and allergen severity. Many customers find the systems pay for themselves through reduced allergy medication and doctor visits.
Can you help with pet allergies specifically?
Pet allergies respond really well to layered solutions. HEPA filtration traps dander, air scrubbers neutralize odors, UV lights handle microbial allergens, and humidity control below 50% starves dust mites. We also recommend frequent pet bathing and keeping pets out of bedrooms - it makes a bigger difference than most people expect.
How long until I notice symptom improvement?
Most people notice a difference within 24–48 hours. Filter upgrades show immediate results. UV lights and air scrubbers build effectiveness over 1–2 weeks. Multi-layer systems typically reach full benefit within 2–4 weeks. Seasonal allergens may take longer for complete relief depending on outdoor pollen counts.