YOU SPENT THE DAY TALKING TO EXPERTS. OLIVIA. I DIG GUYS IN THAT QUICK SWITCH FROM HEAT TO AC HAS HVAC TECHS BOOKED AND BUSY, AND YOU FEELING LIKE YOU’RE STANDING UNDER A POLLEN FILLED TREE. WELL, LUCKILY, THEY SAY KEEPING YOUR HOME’S AIR CLEAR IS A LOW COST, A LOW COST LUXURY, AND IT’S AS EASY AS SWITCHING OUT YOUR AIR FILTER. THE FEBRUARY HEAT HAS US FIRING UP THE AC AND POLLEN POURING IN EARLY. ALLERGIES ARE KICKING MY — RIGHT NOW, WHICH IS WHY I SOUND A LITTLE BIT LIKE BATMAN. A QUICK SWITCH FROM HEAT TO AC KEEPING OKLAHOMA HVAC TECHS ON THEIR TOES THIS MONTH. IF YOUR FILTERS ARE ALL BLOCKED UP, THEY’RE NOT GETTING GOOD AIRFLOW THROUGH THAT, AND THEY’RE NOT CATCHING THE POLLEN THAT’S BEING, YOU KNOW, BEING INTRODUCED TO INSIDE THE HOUSE. LUCKILY, WILL YARBOROUGH WITH YARBOROUGH AND SONS, SAYS MAKING SURE POLLEN DOESN’T MAKE IT PAST YOUR WELCOME MAT DOESN’T MEAN TAKING OUT ANOTHER MORTGAGE. YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE IT FITS NICE AND SNUG, SNAPPING IN A NEW FILTER CAN HAVE YOU BREATHING FRESH AIR FOR JUST A FEW DOLLARS, THE WAY YOU REALLY WANT TO BE SURE THAT THE AIRFLOW ARROW IS POINTING, THE DIRECTION THE AIR IS MOVING, AND MAKE SURE YOU SWAP IT OFTEN. YOU GOT PETS IN THE HOUSE SUFFERING FROM ALLERGIES EVERY MONTH. START WITH EVERY MONTH AND IF YOU NEED TO GO MORE OFTEN, GO MORE OFTEN. SPEAKING OF PETS, HE ADDS, GIVING THEM A CLEANING AFTER THEY’VE BEEN OUTSIDE WOULDN’T HURT EITHER. THEY’VE BEEN ROLLING AROUND IN THE GRASS, ALL THAT POLLEN SETTLING DOWN ON THE GROUND, AND THEY’RE FIRST PICKING UP A LOT OF THAT UP. AND WHILE THE FILTERS CAN HELP, THEY ALSO SAY YOU SHOULD CHECK YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS FOR ANY CRACKS AND ADD SOME WEATHERSTRIPPING TO KEEP THOSE ALLERGENS OUT. AND IF WORSE COM
Oklahoma HVAC experts share tips to keep pollen out of homes
As allergies surge in Oklahoma, HVAC experts offer simple and affordable solutions to improve indoor air quality and reduce pollen exposure.
Updated: 5:06 PM CST Feb 27, 2026
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Allergies have been rampant in Oklahoma this week, prompting many to seek ways to improve indoor air quality and keep pollen out, with HVAC technicians busy due to the quick switch from heating to air conditioning.>> Download the KOCO 5 app | Subscribe to KOCO 5’s YouTube channel | Sign up for KOCO 5’s Morning NewsletterThe February heat has led to early pollen influx, causing discomfort for many, including Will Yarbrough, general manager of Yarbrough and Sons. “Allergies are kicking my butt right now, which is why I sound a little bit like Batman,” Yarbrough said.Yarbrough explained that blocked filters hinder airflow and fail to catch pollen entering the house. “If your filters are blocked up, they’re not getting good airflow through that, and they’re not catching the pollen that’s being introduced inside of the house,” he said.Replacing filters is an affordable solution, according to Yarbrough. “You want to make sure it fits nice and snug,” he said, emphasizing the importance of proper installation. “You want to make sure the airflow arrow is pointing in the direction the air is moving.”For those suffering from allergies or with pets, Yarbrough recommends changing filters monthly or more frequently if needed. “If you suffer from allergies, have pets—start with every month, and if you’re struggling, more often,” he said.Pets can also contribute to indoor pollen levels. “They’re rolling in the grass—so their fur is picking the pollen up,” Yarbrough said, suggesting a quick cleaning after outdoor activities.Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.Another quick tip is to check windows and add weather stripping to keep allergens out.If you’re really struggling, don’t be afraid to call in the pros.Top HeadlinesPokémon 30th anniversary: When it stopped being just a gameDOJ sues Oklahoma over voter registration list, Drummond pledges cooperationHit-and-run crash causes slowdown on I-40 near Portland in Oklahoma CityAre your allergy symptoms out of control? Don’t worry, you’re not alonePiedmont police officer shot at during domestic disturbance
Allergies have been rampant in Oklahoma this week, prompting many to seek ways to improve indoor air quality and keep pollen out, with HVAC technicians busy due to the quick switch from heating to air conditioning.
>> Download the KOCO 5 app | Subscribe to KOCO 5’s YouTube channel | Sign up for KOCO 5’s Morning Newsletter
The February heat has led to early pollen influx, causing discomfort for many, including Will Yarbrough, general manager of Yarbrough and Sons.
“Allergies are kicking my butt right now, which is why I sound a little bit like Batman,” Yarbrough said.
Yarbrough explained that blocked filters hinder airflow and fail to catch pollen entering the house.
“If your filters are blocked up, they’re not getting good airflow through that, and they’re not catching the pollen that’s being introduced inside of the house,” he said.
Replacing filters is an affordable solution, according to Yarbrough.
“You want to make sure it fits nice and snug,” he said, emphasizing the importance of proper installation. “You want to make sure the airflow arrow is pointing in the direction the air is moving.”
For those suffering from allergies or with pets, Yarbrough recommends changing filters monthly or more frequently if needed.
“If you suffer from allergies, have pets—start with every month, and if you’re struggling, more often,” he said.
Pets can also contribute to indoor pollen levels.
“They’re rolling in the grass—so their fur is picking the pollen up,” Yarbrough said, suggesting a quick cleaning after outdoor activities.
Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.
Another quick tip is to check windows and add weather stripping to keep allergens out.
If you’re really struggling, don’t be afraid to call in the pros.
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