If winter in Georgetown leaves you sneezing, congested, and tired, you are not alone. “Cedar fever” hits many Williamson County households when mountain‑cedar pollen surges, often right when you want to enjoy cooler weather. The good news is you can make your home a safer haven with a few targeted upgrades and habits. In this guide, you will learn what cedar fever is, when it peaks locally, and how to block pollen from getting inside so you can breathe easier. Let’s dive in.
Cedar fever in Georgetown: what to know
Cedar fever is a strong allergic response to pollen from mountain cedar, a juniper common across the Hill Country and the Edwards Plateau, which includes Georgetown and Williamson County. For sensitive people, it can trigger sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and fatigue. You can find reliable background information on seasonal allergies from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
When the season peaks
Central Texas cedar season usually ramps up in late fall and can last through winter, often strongest from December to January. Timing shifts year to year with temperature and rainfall. On a mild or early winter, you may see the season start earlier. To plan your day and decide when to air out your home, check the National Allergy Bureau pollen counts for current conditions.
How pollen gets indoors
Mountain‑cedar pollen travels on windy days and enters your home through open windows and doors, tiny gaps in the building envelope, and by hitching a ride on clothing, shoes, hair, and pets. The good news is that tree pollen grains are relatively large compared with fine smoke or dust. That means common particle filtration works well when air actually passes through a filter. The EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home explains how HEPA and high‑MERV filters capture these particles.
Four strategies that work
The most effective plan combines filtration, sealing and controlled ventilation, smart humidity targets, and simple cleaning habits.
1) Filtration that actually reduces pollen
Air moves along the easiest path. Your goal is to push more indoor air through quality filters.
- Whole‑house HVAC filters. If your system uses a basic filter, upgrading to a pleated MERV 8 to 11 is a solid start for larger particles. For allergy‑sensitive households, aim for MERV 13 if your system can handle it. Confirm with an HVAC contractor before moving to higher MERV, since denser filters increase airflow resistance.
- Portable HEPA air cleaners. A true HEPA filter removes 99.97 percent of particles at 0.3 microns. Cedar pollen is larger, so HEPA units are very effective for bedrooms and main living areas. Size the unit to your room by checking AHAM’s Clean Air Delivery Rate. The AHAM Verified directory helps you match CADR to room size.
- Run times and settings. Run bedroom purifiers continuously during cedar season, especially overnight. Consider running your HVAC fan on “on” for periods during high‑pollen days so more air passes through the filter. Expect a bit more energy use.
- Replace filters more often. During peak season, many Georgetown homeowners change HVAC filters monthly to keep performance high. Follow the purifier manufacturer’s schedule for HEPA and pre‑filters.
- Avoid ozone‑producing gadgets. Some “ionizer” or electrostatic products can emit ozone or have mixed performance. When possible, choose true HEPA units or verified high‑MERV filtration. The American Lung Association’s guidance on air cleaners is a helpful resource.
2) Seal leaks and ventilate with control
Sealing reduces how much pollen gets in so your filters do not have to work as hard. Start with obvious gaps and work toward tighter details over time.
- What to seal. Add weatherstripping on exterior doors, install door sweeps, and check thresholds. Inspect window gaskets, attic access panels, garage‑to‑house doors, and penetrations for plumbing, cables, and vents. The DOE Energy Saver guide to air sealing outlines common leak points.
- Ventilation balance. Tightening the shell of the home is smart, but you still need fresh air. Good options include a filtered outdoor air intake on your HVAC used when pollen is low, or a balanced ERV/HRV system with filtration. If you rely on window airing, do it after rain or on low‑pollen days.
- Daily practice. During cedar season, keep windows closed on high‑pollen days. Check local forecasts and plan any “air out” time when counts are low.
3) Keep humidity in the healthy range
Pollen is not driven by moisture, but humidity affects comfort and other allergens like dust mites and mold. Aim for about 30 to 50 percent indoor relative humidity. Dehumidify if your home sits above 50 percent for long periods. In winter, only use a humidifier if indoor air is uncomfortably dry, and avoid over‑humidifying. The EPA’s moisture and mold guidance explains why that range matters.
4) Cleaning and habits that cut exposure
Small habits add up to big relief during cedar season.
- Entry routines. Place a sturdy doormat outside and another inside. Remove shoes at the door. Use a bin or hook for jackets and hats. Keep pet wipes near the entry.
- Personal care. After outdoor time on high‑pollen days, shower and change clothes. Wash bedding weekly during the peak period.
- Dusting and vacuuming. Use a vacuum with a HEPA or high‑efficiency filter. Vacuum floors and upholstery at least weekly. Dust with a damp cloth so you trap pollen instead of spreading it.
- Pets. Wipe or brush pets before they roam the house. If symptoms flare, try keeping pets out of bedrooms.
Room‑by‑room playbook for Georgetown homes
Bedrooms
- Run a HEPA air cleaner sized for the room all night.
- Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly.
- Keep closet doors closed and store outdoor coats away from bedrooms.
Living rooms and open plans
- Add a second HEPA unit or choose a purifier with enough CADR for the whole space.
- If noise bothers you, run the purifier on high when you are away and low when you are home.
- Consider setting the HVAC fan to “on” during high‑pollen spikes to keep air moving through the filter.
Entryways and mudrooms
- Double doormats, shoes‑off rule, and a basket for hats and scarves.
- Keep a small vacuum or hand broom nearby for quick cleanups.
Laundry and bath
- Shower after yard work or a hike.
- Launder outdoor clothing promptly on high‑pollen days.
A staged plan you can start now
Quick fixes in days to weeks
- Keep windows and doors closed on high‑pollen days.
- Replace your HVAC filter with a quality pleated MERV 8 to 11.
- Buy a portable HEPA unit for each bedroom and the main living area. Size by CADR.
- Start a nightly shower and change‑clothes habit after outdoor exposure.
- Vacuum weekly with a HEPA‑equipped vacuum and damp‑dust hard surfaces.
- Check daily pollen forecasts when symptoms are severe.
Intermediate upgrades in weeks to months
- Move to MERV 13 if your HVAC can handle it. Have an HVAC pro confirm.
- Add another portable HEPA unit for larger or open‑plan spaces.
- Weatherstrip doors, add door sweeps, and caulk obvious gaps.
- Schedule HVAC service before cedar season to clean coils and confirm airflow.
Major investments over months to years
- Install a high‑MERV media cabinet or a whole‑house HEPA solution designed for your system.
- Add an ERV or HRV with filtered, controlled fresh air.
- Upgrade attic sealing and insulation to reduce infiltration paths.
- Consider landscape changes during major yard projects if junipers are close to living areas.
Time your efforts with the weather
Use rain and low‑pollen days to your advantage. After a cold front or rainfall, pollen often drops, which is a better window to air out the house. Keep an eye on the National Allergy Bureau’s Austin‑area reports and adjust your routine accordingly.
What results to expect
With steady use of portable HEPA units and high‑quality HVAC filters, most homes see a clear drop in indoor pollen. Bedrooms usually show the quickest relief, since you spend long, consistent hours there. Sealing cuts how much pollen gets in, but always pair tightness with a plan for ventilation so other indoor pollutants do not build up. During peak season, check HVAC filters monthly and change as needed. Follow your purifier’s filter schedule, and keep up weekly vacuuming and bedding laundry for best results.
If symptoms remain moderate to severe despite these steps, talk with a primary care physician or an allergist about medical options like antihistamines or nasal steroids. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology is a good starting point for guidance.
Buying or building in Georgetown?
If you are shopping for a home or working with a builder in the Georgetown and greater Austin area, you can plan for cedar season from day one.
- Ask about the HVAC filter cabinet and whether it supports a deeper, high‑MERV media filter.
- Inquire about fresh‑air strategies and the option for a balanced ERV or HRV with filtration.
- Make sure supply and return ducts are well sealed and sized for the expected filter.
- Include door sweeps, quality weatherstripping, and well‑sealed attic access in your punch list.
These are smart upgrades for comfort and resale year‑round, and they make winter in Central Texas a lot more comfortable.
Ready to reduce cedar exposure at home and plan your next move in Georgetown? Let’s create a strategy that fits your lifestyle and budget. Schedule your visit or virtual consultation today with Unknown Company to get started.
FAQs
What is cedar fever and why is it common in Georgetown?
- Cedar fever is an allergic reaction to mountain‑cedar pollen, a juniper widespread across the Hill Country and the Edwards Plateau that includes Georgetown and Williamson County.
When does cedar pollen season peak in Central Texas?
- It typically runs late fall through winter, often strongest in December and January, but varies with weather. Check daily counts from the National Allergy Bureau.
What type of air filter should I use for cedar pollen?
- Use a pleated MERV 8 to 11 as a baseline. For allergy‑sensitive homes, aim for MERV 13 if your HVAC can support it, or add portable HEPA purifiers in key rooms.
Do portable air purifiers really help with cedar pollen?
- Yes. True HEPA purifiers capture particles much smaller than cedar pollen. Size the unit using AHAM’s CADR guidance and run it continuously in bedrooms and living areas.
How can I reduce pollen tracked in on clothing and pets?
- Use double doormats, remove shoes at the door, shower and change after outdoor time, and wipe or brush pets before they enter living spaces.
Should I seal my home completely to block pollen?
- Seal obvious leaks to reduce pollen entry, but always maintain controlled ventilation so indoor air stays fresh. Consider filtered fresh‑air solutions like ERV or HRV systems.
What indoor humidity level is best during cedar season?
- Keep indoor relative humidity around 30 to 50 percent to avoid mold and dust mites while maintaining comfort, per EPA guidance.
