Your car turns yellow, your eyes itch, and even a short walk leaves you sniffling. If you live in Buford, you know pollen is a season, not a day. The good news is you can take simple steps to cut indoor pollen so your home feels like a refuge instead of a trigger. In this guide, you’ll learn what works for Buford’s seasons, how to choose the right HVAC filter, and when to add a portable HEPA unit. Let’s dive in.

Buford pollen season at a glance

Buford follows the North Georgia pattern: a strong tree pollen wave from late winter through early to mid April, grasses in late spring to early summer, and ragweed and other weeds from late summer into fall. You often see a late summer bump around mid August. Local guidance notes Georgia’s peak pollen hits in early to mid April, with practical tips for getting through the season. UGA’s pollen tips are a helpful starting point.

Seasons in the Southeast have been trending longer and sometimes more intense, which means planning a consistent home strategy matters. Warmer temperatures and higher CO2 can encourage more pollen production, so it pays to prepare early. You can read more about these trends in UGA Extension’s overview.

To plan your day, check two things: the metro Atlanta pollen count and the local air quality index. For counts by pollen type, use the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma daily report. For outdoor air quality that can compound symptoms, check Gwinnett readings on the AQI dashboard.

What filtration actually traps

Most intact pollen grains are relatively large, often between about 10 and 100 microns, which means many pleated HVAC filters can capture them effectively. Pollen can also fragment during events like rain, creating smaller particles that may travel deeper into airways and require finer filtration. For the science behind pollen size and fragments, see this NIH resource.

Choose the right HVAC filter

MERV is the rating that tells you how well a filter captures particles by size. Higher MERV means better capture. ASHRAE recommends using MERV 13 where your system can handle it, which improves removal of fine allergen particles and other pollutants. Review the guidance in ASHRAE’s filtration FAQ.

• For most homes: a pleated MERV 8 to 11 filter is a solid baseline for pollen and balance of airflow.
• For allergy or asthma in the home: consider MERV 11 to 13 if your system supports it. Have a technician confirm static pressure and fit before jumping to MERV 13.
• If your return accepts deeper media: a 2 inch or 4 inch filter often provides higher efficiency with less airflow penalty than a 1 inch high-MERV filter.

Important: higher MERV can increase resistance to airflow. If the filter is too restrictive for your system, you may reduce comfort, increase energy use, or strain the equipment. When in doubt, ask an HVAC pro to check your system and seal the filter rack so air does not bypass the filter. ASHRAE’s guidance is a helpful reference for these tradeoffs. You can also explore manufacturer options for whole-home media cabinets designed for higher MERV, such as this Carrier media cabinet example.

Whole-home vs portable HEPA

Whole-home filtration cleans the air when your system fan is running. Portable HEPA units clean the air in a single room and are very effective in bedrooms and main living areas. The EPA explains how to size and use portable units, including choosing a Clean Air Delivery Rate that matches your room size. See the EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home and what counts as a true HEPA filter.

• Best practice for many households: improve your HVAC filtration as your system allows, then place a portable HEPA unit in the bedroom or room where you spend the most time.

Smart fan settings

Your HVAC filter only cleans air when the fan runs. During high pollen days, consider setting the fan to ON or increasing run time to move more air through the filter. This can lower indoor pollen levels, especially when combined with closing windows. The CDC offers practical ventilation and circulation guidance that supports longer fan runtime when air cleaning is a priority. Review the CDC ventilation page for details.

Keep in mind that running the fan more often uses more electricity and may affect comfort. Many Buford homeowners run the fan continuously on the highest pollen days, then switch back to AUTO afterward.

Maintenance that makes a difference

A clean filter works better. During pollen season, inspect your HVAC filter monthly. Replace when visibly dirty or at the interval your manufacturer recommends. Many homes change filters every one to three months, and busy households with pets or strong allergies may need monthly changes. The EPA’s guide outlines typical replacement timing and signs to watch.

Reduce pollen at the source

Filtration works best alongside simple housekeeping habits. Practical steps include removing shoes at the door, using entry mats, changing clothes or showering after yard work, wiping pets’ paws, and washing bedding weekly during peak season. Avoid airing linens outside on high-pollen days. You can find more smart seasonal tips in UGA’s Georgia-focused guide.

A daily plan for Buford

Use this quick routine during peak days:

• Check the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma pollen count and the Gwinnett AQI.
• Keep windows and doors closed. Use air conditioning.
• Set the HVAC fan to ON for part of the day to increase filtration.
• Run a portable HEPA in bedrooms and main living areas.
• Wipe down high-traffic floors and surfaces. Shower before bed if you were outdoors.
• Inspect your HVAC filter. If it looks dirty, replace it.

When to upgrade or call a pro

If seasonal allergies or asthma are significant in your home, ask an HVAC technician to measure system static pressure and confirm the highest MERV your setup can handle. If you want consistent higher filtration, consider adding a whole-home media cabinet designed for MERV 13 filters, like the Carrier cabinet example. If your system cannot support MERV 13, pair the highest compatible MERV filter with one or more portable HEPA units.

Cleaner indoor air is also a plus if you plan to sell. A home that smells fresh and feels comfortable during showings can help buyers focus on the property, not their symptoms.

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Buford or around Lake Lanier and want practical, local guidance for getting your home market-ready, reach out to Dani Burns. I am here to help you move with confidence.

FAQs

What MERV rating works best for pollen in Buford homes?

• Start with a pleated MERV 8 to 11 for routine use, and consider MERV 13 for finer particle capture if your system supports it, per ASHRAE guidance.

Can I drop a MERV 13 filter into any system?

• Not always, since higher MERV can increase resistance to airflow; have an HVAC tech confirm static pressure and fit, and review ASHRAE’s guidance before upgrading.

Are portable HEPA units better than upgrading my HVAC filter?

• They serve different roles; a portable HEPA is great for bedrooms and living spaces, while HVAC filters clean the whole home when the fan runs, and the EPA’s guide recommends using both when possible.

Should I run my HVAC fan all day during high pollen?

• Running the fan longer increases filtration and can help on high pollen days, with energy tradeoffs; see the CDC ventilation guidance and switch back to AUTO when counts drop.

How often should I change filters in pollen season?

• Inspect monthly and replace when dirty; many homes change every one to three months, and busy or allergy-prone households often change monthly, per the EPA’s recommendations.