Cedar Pollen Season in Bexar County: Why Your AC Filter Works Overtime When the Trees Start Sneezing
If you live in Bexar County, Texas, you know the drill. Mountain Cedar allergy season starts in late December and can last until March. The most severe months are usually December and January, which is when the cedar’s pollen counts are at their peak. What you might not realize is how this notorious “cedar fever” season puts your air conditioning system to the ultimate test, demanding more frequent filter changes and careful maintenance to keep your indoor air clean and your HVAC system running efficiently.
Understanding Bexar County’s Cedar Pollen Challenge
Mountain cedar is predominant in the region of Hill Country north of us. San Antonio is in a position where the north wind takes it south right through Bexar County. This geographic positioning makes our area particularly vulnerable to massive pollen loads. According to Shannon Syring, a certified pollen collector who has been providing KSAT with the pollen count for years, a typical mountain cedar season peaks at 20,000 to 32,000 grains per cubic meter of air. That’s roughly a 3-foot-by-3-foot space.
Cedar fever is irritating to many due to the quantity and density of Ashe junipers in Central Texas that all produce pollen at the same time, which leads to a high concentration of pollen in the air. The pollen from Ashe junipers isn’t particularly allergenic or harmful, but its concentration is what irritates most because your body perceives it as a threat and begins to fight it.
How Cedar Pollen Impacts Your AC System Performance
During peak cedar season, your air conditioning system faces an unprecedented challenge. Over time, air filters get clogged with too much debris. When this happens, the filter stops catching tiny particles like pollen, which end up staying in your home’s air. This isn’t just about comfort—it directly affects your system’s efficiency and longevity.
Besides the loss of effectiveness, a dirty filter is also bad news for your HVAC system. Not changing your air filter regularly can lead to higher energy bills and put extra wear and tear on the system, resulting in expensive repairs. When filters become overloaded with cedar pollen, they restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures.
The Right Filter for Cedar Season
Not all filters are created equal when it comes to battling cedar pollen. But it only works if your A/C or heating system is turned on and if your air filter is a MERV 9 or higher. Understanding MERV ratings becomes crucial during cedar season.
Most troublesome seasonal allergens (pollen and dust-mite debris) are relatively large, often 10–40+ microns, so MERV 11–13 HVAC filters and true-HEPA room purifiers handle them well. For homes in Bexar County, MERV 11 filters capture fine dust and pet dander with 85-95% efficiency, making them ideal for homes with pets, requiring replacement every 60 days. And if you want maximum protection, MERV 13 filters capture microscopic allergens with over 95% efficiency, making them perfect for severe allergy sufferers, though they need replacement more frequently, every 30-45 days.
Accelerated Filter Replacement Schedules During Cedar Season
Cedar season demands a complete rethinking of your filter replacement schedule. Check your air filter every month during Mountain Cedar season. If the filter starts looking like the one above, it’s dirty and it should be replaced. This is significantly more frequent than the typical 90-day replacement cycle many homeowners follow.
Severe cedar seasons can really overwhelm those kinds of filters because of the density of the pollen. During peak pollen days, which typically lasts through Valentine’s Day, you may find yourself changing filters every 30 days or even more frequently if you’re running your system continuously.
Why Professional AC Maintenance Matters More During Cedar Season
While homeowners can handle filter changes, professional AC Maintenance Bexar County, TX becomes even more critical during cedar season. Texas Air Repair started when our founders recognized that Bexar County, TX needed HVAC services built on family values: reliability, integrity, and genuine care. Texas Air Repair started when our founders recognized that Bexar County, TX needed HVAC services built on family values: reliability, integrity, and genuine care. With deep local roots, we set out to serve our community with the same dedication we bring to our own families.
Professional maintenance during cedar season includes checking for pollen buildup in areas homeowners can’t easily access, ensuring proper airflow throughout the system, and identifying any strain the heavy pollen load might be placing on system components. Every certified technician brings that same dedication to excellence—whether handling emergency AC repairs during scorching Texas summers or installing new systems for growing businesses. Our mission remains simple: deliver honest, affordable HVAC solutions that earn customer referrals through exceptional workmanship, not flashy marketing.
Additional Protection Strategies
Beyond filter upgrades, consider complementary strategies. On pollen-heavy days, keep windows and doors closed and limit the time spent outdoors. When possible, install higher MERV-rated air filters in home and auto HVAC systems and invest in home air purifiers.
Installing a whole-home air purifier is a great way to avoid cedar fever. These air purifiers are generally installed in your HVAC system, and work with your air filter to kill and remove airborne pollutants.
The Bottom Line for Bexar County Homeowners
Cedar season in Bexar County isn’t just about personal discomfort—it’s a significant challenge for your HVAC system that requires proactive management. Texas Air Repair brings family-owned reliability to every HVAC project in Bexar County, TX. We understand that your comfort can’t wait, which is why we’ve built our reputation on honest service, fair pricing, and getting the job done right the first time.
By upgrading to appropriate MERV-rated filters, maintaining accelerated replacement schedules during peak season, and partnering with experienced local professionals who understand our unique climate challenges, you can keep your indoor air clean and your system running efficiently throughout even the most intense cedar pollen seasons. Remember, No matter the project size, we treat every job like we’re working on our own family’s home.