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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 6, 2022
This review is late coming so my apologies to the amazing Twin Tech team! I contacted Dave at Twin Tech for a quote this past Feb (as I was collecting a few) and his recommendation was excellent. From the first meeting with Dave to the team installing the new furnace, not once did i feel uncomfortable . The team were extremely professional yet personable and clean and tidy. Decent companies still exist!
The new furnace just purrs and its just amazing the difference it has made!
(PS my sibling ended up getting a furnace from them as well)
Aug 5, 2022
The service was Twintech was excellent.
Dave our salesperson was easy to talk to and was professional. The unit recommended meets our needs and budget.
Greg and his team arrived on time for the installation and even got rid of the garbage the contractors left in our furnace.
Would definitely recommend Twintech.
Aug 5, 2022
Our old water tank was installed in 1997. Wasn't working as well as it should so we looked into a tankless as it is more efficient and a space saver! we had used Twintech in the past for a furnace cleaning and were satisfied with that so we decided to ask for a quote for the changeover. Gary arrived and provided the options and the quote fit within our budget so we decide to go with them after receiving a few alternative quotes from other companies. They did what the said would be done and it was completed within a reasonable time frame! Removal and cleanup of the old tank was seamless. We are now enjoying consistent and efficient Hot water! I recommend Twintech and would use them for future projects!
Aug 4, 2022
One of the most honest HVAC companies out there! Dave was very helpful and informative in helping us choose a new AC unit. While they werent the lowest quote, we went with them because we trusted Dave and he was the most honest guy out of the companies that quoted us.
Greg and his crew who installed the unit were very professional and did a great job. If I could do it over again I would choose Twintech again.
Aug 3, 2022
Relocated and replaced our air conditioning unit. Fast, professional, and high quality service. We would definitely use them again for future projects!
Aug 2, 2022
The term excellent or incredible does not seem high enough praise for the Twintech Heating and cooling company that recently replaced our 15 year old furnace. To start with, the response from Dave at Twintech to our original pricing request was the quickest and most professional of the 5 prices we received which included two of the primary natural gas providers. The Twintech pricing was the most competitive by a considerable margin.
We had Dave visit our home to confirm all pricing which he did and scheduled us for next day installation which was not offered my the majority of the other providers.
The installation; the team arrived on time and provided coverings to all of the hardwood flooring and stairs and proceeded with the removal and reinstallation of the new furnace, the workers predicated six hours and were completed in five hours. I have to mention how courteous and polite the workers were each time we interacted with them from start to finish.
The final result was amazing, all materials were cleaned up and removed from the house and the workmanship very impressive.
One feature that really stood out for me which shows a high level of professionalism was that we had various condensation hoses from the furnace , humidifier and an air filtration unit meeting at the one drain, the installation crew ran PVC tubing including elbows along two sides of the furnace to guide the hoses into one PVC tube at the drain, it looks great!
When the install was completed and tested the Twintech technician guided us through the features and recommendation's for care of the new furnace.
We highly recommend Twintech to anyone for the outstanding service provided to us.
Aug 1, 2022
I didn't hesitate to call Twintech in for a 2nd time as they did an outstanding job installing my new furnace last year. This time my 18 year old air conditioner was on its last legs. Greg and the team are top notch, highly skilled technicians. The job was executed in a timely and professional manner. Greg was extremely thorough and went the extra mile to make sure everything was operating efficiently. Lastly, Dave is a true gentleman and really made the customer experience pleasurable and worry free. Always remember that good work ain't cheap and cheap work ain't good.
Jul 31, 2022
It's so hard to find solid companies these days, but I was very pleased to find one in Twintech. Greg and his crew were very clean, respectful and professional. We were most impressed at how all the things they said they would do, were done. Sounds strange, but usually when a contractor comes to your home they say they will take care of this and that, make sure this is done, etc but when the work starts you have to constantly remind them of your previous discussions. Greg ensured every item he said he would do was done, no reminders required. The work was done right, at a fair price and on time. We will be sure to call them when our A/C unit dies (fingers crossed that's not going to happen too soon :) )
Jul 30, 2022
Replaced our aging hot water tank with a tankless system. Excellent work, fast efficient and clean.
Walked us through the new system and recommended maintenance schedule.
This is our second time working with TwinTech and we are very happy with the quality of their work and professionalism.
Jul 29, 2022
Efficient work and great follow up by the team at Twin Tech. Great product and communication.
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