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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:
Apr 30, 2018
Greg and team were amazing! All interaction via email and text 100% professional. From consult to product recommendation their service was phenomenal!
Installed a Napoleon furnace (ecm dc drive variable 2-stage) and it was a game changer for the whole house. Blended air temperature through and through the entire house and its saving us money by cutting down our utility bill by ALOT!
Jun 18, 2018
We purchased a new cooling & heating system from Twintech and the team was fantastic. From sales to installation, the team were great to work with. Friendly (our dog even enjoyed having them over), professional and accommodating. Id recommend Twintech in a heart beat to anyone. Superb customer service.
Jun 4, 2018
End to end service. From quote, overseeing installation, contacting and making arrangements for energy audit. Warranty program is comprehensive. Cleaned up mess of assistant walking through my place without proper indoor foot covering when I pointed out that I was not happy about footprints on my floors.
Jun 11, 2018
In April we hired Twintech Heating & Cooling to replace our 20 year old water tank & 35 year old air conditioner. We got 5 estimates for the job & decided to go with Twintech for the following reasons.
- The Sales Manager, Dave, was very personable & knowledgeable as all of our questions were answered. (We had a list of questions we asked each of the contractors when we got the estimates)
- We got 5 estimates for the job. All contractors verbally told us they had the required qualifications but Dave was the only one to physically show us their license & insurance documentation.
- Twintech carried the Napoleon air conditioner & we wanted to support Canadian industry as it is assembled in Barrie On.
Safety is important at Twintech as demonstrated when we discussed with Dave, the need to change our install date because of freezing rain. Access was required by navigating a set of outside steps & Dave identified that safety took precedence.
On the installation date, Greg, Peter & Grant showed up on time & methodically accomplished the removal & installation of both units. The guys did a great job cleaning up as well.
When the job was completed we mentioned to Greg that we were pleased with the work they had done & were going to have them come out & do our furnace inspection in Sept. Greg said we can save our money as he had inspected the heat exchanger on the furnace while doing the job & there was no need to have another inspection in Sept. We were very impressed with Gregs initiative. This is top shelf service. Thank you Greg.
As the weather was too cool to complete a functional test of the air conditioner on the installation date, Dave made a follow-up call to us to see how things were going & Greg also came out to check the operation. No problems.
We are very happy we hired professionals like Dave, Greg, Grant & Peter & have no hesitation in recommending Twintech Heating & Cooling. They will now be our "go to" guys.
Nov 18, 2018
These guys are the best. From start to finish they exceeded my expectations and delivered a great product. They accommodated the nuances of my 100 year old home which was really appreciated. The install was easy to schedule and done fantastically. Im so excited to have an efficiently heated and cooled home.
Aug 12, 2018
Twintech were fast and efficient contractors. It only took 48 hours between an initial home visit and complete installation. The workmen were polite and hardworking. The site was left clean with the old furnace etc. removed. They helped arrange an environmental assessment in order that I could receive the maximum rebate. They even called me within a week to determine if I was satisfied with their work and to reassure me that I could call them anytime I experienced heating difficulties or had any questions. I recommend Twintech for your heating problems.
Jul 21, 2018
Courteous and professional service from initial consultation through to the installation. We highly recommend Twintech for outstanding service in the industry. Competitive pricing, professional and accurate advice, attention to detail, respect for their client's home and cleaning up at the completion of installation.
Jul 12, 2018
Last night was the coldest day of the year so far and I woke up to my house being 54 degrees... I called Twintech at 2:45am and Greg was on site by 3:30am. The furnace required a part and he returned to his shop and came back to my home around 4:15am, furnace up and running by 4:30am. THANK YOU TWINTECH! Your service is second to none.
Jun 25, 2018
After much research & getting 4 quotes, we hired Twintech team for our new furnace installation, prices were fair, they carried great product brands & more importantly installation was expertly done by one of the owners (Greg & his assistant Peter) which gave me an added piece of mind. Dave was very organized & answered all my questions in great detail, especially re: the Enbridge & Govt. rebate program.
Jun 10, 2018
My old air conditioner was 20 years old and developed a Freon leak and it was more cost effective to replace rather than repair. There are a large number of heating and air conditioning companies available in my area so I contacted several for quotes. Twintech heating and cooling responded quickly to the inquiry I left on their website and their sales person Dave came by the following day. He was knowledgeable about the field and was able to show copies of the various refrigeration and gas fitting licenses along with workmens compensation, TSSA and other certifications. He also suggested a particular manufacturer and model of AC unit appropriate to my house and gave me a quote. Since the price was reasonable, service had been good and the reviews on the internet were also good, I decided to purchase an AC unit from them. Installation was quickly scheduled. They showed up on time, did a good job installing the new unit including some sheet metal work to get the new heat exchanger to fit in the furnace duct, and cleaned up afterward. In addition, they noticed that my existing AC was installed too close to the furnace exhaust (based on building code) and were able to mount the new AC the appropriate distance from the exhaust. Overall, they did an excellent job and were a pleasure to work with.
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