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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:
Jul 23, 2024
Twintech Heating & Cooling installed my furnace in 2022 and in fall of 2023 installed my Panasonic Heat Pump. Greg and Mitch did a great job. Helped me through the rebate process. Super happy with the Heat Pump. Only used my furnace 5 times this winter. Energy bills lower, carbon emissions lower.Thank you Twintech. I recommend highly!
Jul 18, 2024
Just had a new furnace installed by Twintech. I cant express how great these guys are at what they do. From the sales to installation they were professional all the way. Very reasonable pricing and courteous during the installation and willing to answer any questions I had. Highly recommended !!!
Jul 17, 2024
They've cleaned my furnace a couple of times and mentioned that the hot water tank standards were going to change soon so I decided to change mine out.
There were a few challenges during the process but the installers handled the problems without missing a stride! I now have really hot water again!
Jul 16, 2024
Highly recommend Twintech Heating company, we got honest and detailed information on what was needed to replace and install a new gas furnace. Bob and Greg made us feel comfortable withe process through their thorough explanation and knowledge of the right furnace for our needs. The professionalism and courteous friendly attitude towards the customer is what we liked the most as they treated us like family. So happy with our decision and new furnace we will be looking into get our rental water heater replaced and installed by Twintech team. We feel better having their knowledge on our side and will only trust them with any further maintenance of furnace.
Jul 15, 2024
Customer service and knowledge is priority in this industry, and Twintech has it. I've dealt with their team for maintenance and a furnace replacement. They're accommodating and make great recommendations, and came through at a great price over the big guys in the industry. They'll be my next call when I need service or maintenance.
Jul 14, 2024
I decided that the noises and age of the existing furnace which was old and not very efficient to replace it. Gave Greg a call and Grant and Greg got to work on it. Because of supply issues with the current heating type that would be an easier install Greg convinced me to change the location of the system and it would provide me better service for heat and efficiency. I had skeptical but went ahead anyway putting trust in Greg And Grant. Greg, Grant and Mitch came through and in 2 days had completely relocated my heating and A/C system. I can honestly say Greg was right my old house has been warmer and more evenly heated as it ever was. For anyone reading this rather long winded review can take my word for it, Twin Tech can take care of your needs.
Jul 13, 2024
I called Twin Tech when my air conditioning stopped working. Greg came over to diagnose the issue - the same day. He was able to diagnose the issue and resolve it quite quickly. Although it was a quick fix, Greg was very thorough in explaining the issue and provided great advice. Not to mention, I felt very comfortable having Greg in my home - which I consider very important when hiring a service provider. Twin Tech will be my go-to from now on. Thank you!!
Jan 4, 2023
Great Team! Furnace broke in the weekend, Bob visited same day and Greg installed new one on Monday. Team was professional, respectful and knowledgeable. Installation went very well, Greg found solutions to challenges, like hiding new conduits in the ceiling. Looks nice and new furnace is working great. Five Stars.
Jan 4, 2023
I used Twintech to install a new furnace for my home. Bob was terrific in explaining the sizing options and why the 2 stage furnace was the best option for me. Greg did a great job installing, clean and on time. Finished work looks great but the best part is how it works. The 2 stage heating is so much more comfortable. I run the fan continuously to keep the indoor air clean. Great investment! Would highly recommendTwintech!
Jan 4, 2023
Im going to start this by saying Im a very particular customer. My background is in mathematics and mechanical engineering so I have an eye for detail and a respect for technical knowledge.
Greg had already done an AC inspection and replaced a water heater tank and there was no question in my mind who to deal with replacing my rickety old furnace after it got pooched.
Bob dropped in ahead of time and clearly (and knowledgeably) outlined all technical, price and operational options.
Greg showed up on time, on the agreed date and did a fantastic job. (The OLD furnace was a house of horrors and was installed in a keystone cops sort of way- careless.)
The work Greg did was HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL and FAR MORE FUNCTIONAL than what I had.
Im also a musician with many instruments so maintaining predictable humidity/temperature is extremely important to me. Greg recognized this as did Bob. You NEVER feel like youre being brushed off.
In summary, if youre looking for PROFESSIONAL, QUALITY results by an EXPERIENCED, THOUGHTFUL team
(that also happen to be FRIENDLY and ATTENTIVE ) then youve come to the right page!!
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