San Diego Allergy Tips You NEED This Fall Season!
Quick Summary: San Diego fall brings ragweed, mold spores, dust mites, and lingering pollen that can make allergies worse indoors. Replacing filters, choosing higher MERV or HEPA-rated options, and scheduling HVAC maintenance are essential steps to reduce allergens. Adding humidity control, UV lights, or air purifiers provides extra protection, while simple daily habits like closing windows and wiping down pets help minimize triggers.
Fall in San Diego brings cooler evenings and shorter days — but if you suffer from allergies, it can also mean new challenges indoors. Ragweed pollen, mold spores from damp leaves, and increased dust from closed-up homes often trigger symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes.
For many people with allergies, spending time inside offers only partial relief. The good news? With the right HVAC strategies, you can help keep fall allergens under control and enjoy a more comfortable home.
Common Fall Allergens in San Diego
While San Diego’s mild climate means fewer extreme allergy spikes compared to other regions, fall still brings its own set of allergens:
- Ragweed Pollen – Peaks in late summer and fall, carried on coastal breezes.
- Mold Spores – Thrive in damp leaves, mulch, and bathrooms with poor ventilation.
- Dust Mites – Multiply when homes are closed up and heaters are turned on.
- Lingering Weeds & Trees – Local plants like sagebrush and cedar release pollen well into the fall.
Knowing which allergens are common this time of year helps you take proactive steps to protect your indoor air quality.
Change Your Air Filter
A dirty or clogged filter can’t trap ragweed pollen, dust, and mold spores that are especially common in the fall.
Replace your HVAC filter every 3 months — or sooner if it looks dirty. A fresh filter keeps your system running efficiently while capturing symptom-causing particles before they circulate through your home.
Choose the Right Air Filter
Not all filters are created equal. For fall allergies, you’ll want a filter with a MERV rating of 10 or higher. This helps capture ragweed pollen, mold spores, and fine particles that trigger seasonal symptoms.
Consider upgrading to a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter if you want extra protection against microscopic allergens. The right filter choice can make a big difference in how your home feels this time of year.
Have Your HVAC System Serviced
Your filters work best when your HVAC system and ductwork are clean and in good shape. Leaky vents or clogged ducts can re-circulate dust, pollen, and mold back into your home. A professional HVAC inspection and tune-up ensures your vents and ducting are sealed and clean — so you can enjoy better indoor air quality and reliable comfort as cooler weather sets in.
How Humidity Affects Allergies in Fall
Humidity levels often fluctuate in the fall, especially with coastal air and the first use of heating systems. Too much humidity encourages mold growth, while too little dries out nasal passages and makes allergy symptoms worse. A whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier integrated with your HVAC system can help keep indoor air balanced and comfortable.
Air Purifiers & UV Lights for Extra Protection
For households with severe allergy sufferers, an extra layer of protection may help. Whole-home air purifiers can remove tiny particles that standard filters miss, while UV germicidal lights installed in your HVAC system neutralize mold spores and bacteria before they circulate. Together, they make your air even cleaner during peak allergy seasons
Easy Fall Allergy Tips
Along with HVAC care, a few small changes at home can help keep allergens under control when San Diego’s fall season peaks:
- Run your HVAC system on recirculate to keep ragweed pollen outside
- Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen days
- Check for mold growth in damp spots like bathrooms or around leaves outside
- Remove jackets, shoes, and wipe down pets before entering to reduce pollen and spores inside
- Vacuum and dust regularly to cut down on dust mites that thrive when homes are closed up
For more ways to keep your home as allergy-proof as possible — and to ensure your HVAC system runs smoothly all season — schedule maintenance online today or call Same Day at (619) 975-0229.
