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Winter Allergies and Your HVAC System
Posted On: February 17, 2026
When people think of allergies, spring pollen usually comes to mind.
But for many homeowners, allergy symptoms actually get worse during winter.
If you’re sneezing, coughing, or dealing with dry, irritated sinuses when the heat is on, your HVAC system may be playing a role.
Understanding how winter allergies work—and how your heating system affects indoor air quality—can help you breathe easier all season long.
Why Allergies Can Be Worse in Winter
During winter, homes are sealed tightly to keep cold air out.
While this improves energy efficiency, it also traps allergens indoors.
Unlike seasonal outdoor allergens, winter allergies are usually caused by indoor irritants.
Common winter allergy triggers include:
Dust and dust mites
Pet dander
Mold spores
Dry air irritation
Indoor air pollutants
Because your HVAC system constantly circulates air, it can either reduce these allergens—or spread them throughout your home.
How Your HVAC System Affects Winter Allergies
Your heating system is responsible for moving air through your home.
If it isn’t properly maintained, it can worsen allergy symptoms instead of improving comfort.
Air Circulation and Allergen Spread
Forced-air heating systems circulate air through ductwork and vents.
When dust, dander, or mold builds up inside the system, those particles get redistributed every time the heat runs.
Dirty Filters and Poor Filtration
Clogged or low-quality air filters allow allergens to pass through easily.
Over time, this leads to higher concentrations of airborne particles and increased allergy symptoms.
Dry Indoor Air
Heating systems reduce indoor humidity, which can:
Dry out nasal passages and sinuses
Make allergy symptoms feel more severe
Increase irritation of the throat and eyes
Dry air doesn’t cause allergies, but it can make existing symptoms much worse.
The Role of HVAC Filters in Allergy Control
Your HVAC filter is one of the most important tools for managing winter allergies.
High-quality filters can:
Trap dust, pollen, and pet dander
Reduce airborne allergen levels
Improve overall indoor air quality
For allergy-prone households, filters with higher MERV ratings are often recommended.
However, these filters must be changed regularly to prevent airflow restriction and system strain.
Most homes should replace filters every 1 to 3 months during winter, depending on usage and indoor conditions.
Ductwork and Hidden Allergens
Even with a good filter, allergens can accumulate in ductwork over time.
Duct-related allergy problems may come from:
Dust buildup
Mold growth caused by moisture
Air leaks pulling contaminants from attics or crawl spaces
Old or damaged insulation inside ducts
Sealing and cleaning ductwork can significantly reduce the amount of allergens circulating through your home.
Mold Growth and Heating Systems
Mold is a major indoor allergen and can be especially problematic in winter.
Condensation, humid basements, or neglected HVAC components can create the perfect environment for mold growth.
Signs mold may be affecting your air quality include:
Musty or earthy odors when heat runs
Persistent allergy symptoms indoors
Visible mold near vents or HVAC equipment
Professional HVAC inspections can identify moisture issues and prevent mold from spreading through your system.
How to Reduce Winter Allergies With Your HVAC System
If winter allergies are affecting your comfort, your HVAC system can be part of the solution.
Steps homeowners can take:
Replace air filters regularly
Schedule annual heating system maintenance
Keep vents and returns clean and unobstructed
Use a whole-home humidifier to balance moisture
Seal duct leaks to prevent contaminant entry
Consider air purification or UV systems
These improvements help create cleaner air while improving heating performance and efficiency.
When to Call an HVAC Professional
If allergy symptoms persist despite basic maintenance, it’s time to bring in a professional.
You should schedule an HVAC inspection if you notice:
Excessive dust buildup
Uneven heating or weak airflow
Strange odors when the system runs
Worsening allergy symptoms indoors
An HVAC professional can identify airflow issues, filtration problems, or hidden contaminants affecting your indoor air quality.
Final Thoughts
Winter allergies are often an indoor air quality issue—and your HVAC system plays a major role.
With proper filtration, humidity control, and regular maintenance, your heating system can help reduce allergens instead of spreading them.
At Twintech Heating & Cooling, we help homeowners improve comfort and air quality during the winter months.
If you’re struggling with allergies while running your heating system, professional HVAC solutions can make a noticeable difference in how you feel at home.
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See What Our Customers Are Saying:
Aug 10, 2019
Professionally done and took care to cover all entry floors to the house for the installers to remove the old furnace and install a new furnace.
I also made recommendations of the tankless water heater that we had installed and items to address. We did not know they also installed tankless water heaters.
Jul 21, 2019
Price was not the cheapest nor the most expensive of my quotes. It's the quality of the installation that makes for a good AC system. The twins' knowledge & professionalism was evident in the small details:
Very clean work. Greg made sure that the refrigerant level & temperature were correct. They reinstall the insulation & vapor barrier around the wall. The outside electrical cords were secured to the wall. Proud to support this local company. Thank you.
Jun 11, 2019
Great team of guys came to do the work. Very professional. Arrived on time worked very efficiently and were very clean. They answered any questions we had without hesitation. The air conditioner works great and is so quiet. I highly recommend them and they don't try to up-sell anything right from the start.
May 10, 2019
The service was prompt, professional and very courteous. Competitive price. Would highly recommend this company.
Jul 20, 2019
Excellent workmanship, and quick response. Would recommend Twintech to anyone.
Nov 11, 2019
My existing 15-yr old A/C went down on me during the first major heatwave of the season. Researched my options, as well as a few different installers, and decided on Twintech.
They gave me confidence right from the beginning. Extremely knowledgeable. Their communication was excellent - always responded to questions quickly. Given we were in a heatwave, they were fully booked. However, within days they were able to fit me in due to a cancellation. Upon learning that the Amana unit I was getting installed was on backorder, TwinTech went to bat for me with the manufacturer and was able to get me the next model up within a day, for the same price - Amazing!
As far as the installation was concerned, I couldnt be more impressed. These guys were clearly very experienced and did a fantastic job. Very clean, polite, timely & informative. They even thoroughly sealed all the exposed gaps in my ductwork. Ive had plenty of heating and cooling work done in the past and have never used the same contractor twice because Ive never been very impressed. However, from now on, Ill always be contacting Twintech first!
Jun 19, 2019
They were very friendly and took care of everything. The install looks great (and works great), they were very knowledgeable. Installed our a/c efficiently despite the difficult install location both inside and outside and they made it work.
Jun 12, 2019
Phenomenal service, so glad I found these guys a few years back after being "hosed" badly by 3 other companies. I've recommended them to so many, and they all are so thankful.
May 1, 2019
This company is fantastic. Dave came out and gave me a very honest and reasonable quote, unlike a quote received from another company. I had a bunch of questions that were easily answered and when I had questions regarding heating/cooling a previously unheated room above the Garage, Dave arranged for Greg to come out for an assessment of this new space and gave me his recommendation along with his professional thoughts on all of my options.
These guys have been nothing but Professional, honest and helpful along the way. I can't recall the two other guys doing the install, but they were great as well. Good workmanship, everything was cleaned up and everything functions as promised. I could go on and on about my experience, but it's all positive so what more could you want?
Give them a call, see for yourself. If I had to buy another furnace/AC or heat pump, they'd be my first call.
Apr 16, 2019
I hired twin tech to convert my townhouse heating from electric to gas and install a furnace and a/c unit. I had talked with many other vendors, and received several quotes, but chose them, and very happy I did. Here are some of the reasons why:
1. They were realistic about the timeline for the work, when they could start and how long it would take. (They said upfront, it was their busy season and would need to get back to me in 3 weeks, which they did):
2. They had a quote with options for me. They were clear about the entertainment of what they would and would not do (theyd build duct work, id need another contractor to box in ductwork). This allowed me to plan as I was my own general contractor for my renovations).
3. They spoke to me in a language I understood, neither too technical nor too simple. They answered all my questions as I had them. Everyone is so lovely to work with, the sales team and the contractors who are worked in my home.
4. Its been 4 m since the work was complete. They still answer my emails and my furnace is working very well!
I unabashedly recommend! Price, customer care and quality workmanship were all amazing!
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