Disclaimer: We are HVAC experts, not doctors! This article is for informational purposes only, it should not be used as medical advice or to diagnose your winter allergy symptoms. We can, however, diagnose your HVAC issues.
Seasonal allergies hit hardest during spring and fall. However, the cold winter months also lead to stuffy noses and other allergy symptoms. Allergies in winter flare up when allergens in the home aggravate the immune response. The Asthma and Allergy Network explains that homes trap allergens, which leads to winter misery for allergy sufferers.
What can allergy sufferers do to keep their home allergen-free? A clean HVAC system might be the most proactive defense against winter allergies, and installing the best in-duct air purifier also aids those annoying winter allergies. Here’s what to know about allergies in winter, how a dirty HVAC system exacerbates symptoms, and how to get relief!
Table of Contents:
Common Winter Allergies
Winter Allergies vs. a Cold
Remediating Allergy Symptoms
Change HVAC Air Filters More Frequently
Vacuum and clean regularly
Use a Hypoallergenic Mattress Cover and Pillowcases
Check for Mold
Install an In-Duct Air Purifier
FAQ: Winter Allergies
Common Winter Allergies
In spring and fall, outdoor allergens trigger reactions in those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Ragweed, pollen, and other common allergens lead to stuffy noses, sore throats, sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, and other symptoms.
As fall transitions into winter, allergy sufferers might anticipate a break from their symptoms. Less time outside means less exposure to allergens. Plus, the cold weather stops blooming trees and plants from spreading their pollen and spores. The immune system finally gets a bit of relief!
Unfortunately, many allergy sufferers still experience symptoms in the winter. Why? How can allergens cause misery when it’s too cold to venture outdoors? While the cold winter weather inspires most people to stay indoors where it’s warm, the inside of the home incubates a host of allergens that lead to winter misery.
The air in the home, the carpet, and beloved pets could trigger allergies in winter and lead to sneezing, congestion, and other symptoms. Allergens thrive in the home. Some of the most common indoor allergens include:
Mold/mildew
Pet dander
Dust
Dust mites
The Allergy and Asthma Network explains that a few other nasty triggers also could cause allergies. Cockroaches leave behind feces and shells, which lead to allergic reactions in some individuals. Mice droppings and urine also trigger allergies. Rodents and cockroaches are unwanted (and rather disgusting) house guests, and it’s important to contact a pest control professional to eliminate them.
Winter Allergies vs. a Cold
A stuffy nose and headache are common symptoms of a cold. How can individuals tell if they suffer from winter allergies versus colds? The symptoms that distinguish a cold include:
Stuffy nose
Sore throat
Earache
Headache
Runny nose
Low-grade fever
Typically, a cold lasts around a week to 10 days. As the immune system fights off the virus, symptoms eventually disappear.
Some symptoms of allergies overlap with cold symptoms, though. These common symptoms include a runny nose, stuffy nose, and headache. Winter allergy symptoms also might include a scratchy (or itchy) throat, but the Mayo Clinic notes that allergies don’t typically cause a sore throat. Allergies also do not cause a fever.
The best way to discern a cold from allergies is to watch symptoms. Again, cold symptoms eventually get better and disappear. Winter allergy symptoms might be pervasive.
The Mayo Clinic also points out that a cold will cause body aches and other pains, but this is NOT a symptom of allergies. Wondering if it’s a cold or just allergies? Use this chart to learn the difference between symptoms:
Symptom | Cold | Allergies |
Runny Nose | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Itchy Throat | ❌ | ✔️ |
Sore Throat | ✔️ | ❌ |
Stuffy Nose | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Fever | ✔️ | ❌ |
Aches | ✔️ | ❌ |
Headache | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Remediating Allergy Symptoms
When allergens are the culprit for discomfort, remediation is crucial to feeling better. The best solution for eliminating allergens depends on which allergen leads to the symptom flare-ups. Explore these solutions for alleviating indoor allergens.
Change HVAC Air Filters More Frequently
HVAC filters need to be changed at least every three months. However, allergy sufferers might need to change them more frequently. Choosing better filters also helps remove more particulates and allergens from the air. Look for filters designed to filter out common allergens.
Vacuum and Clean Regularly
A clean home also might lead to fewer allergy issues. Dirty carpets trap dust and other allergens, causing symptoms for allergy sufferers. Vacuum carpets regularly, and don’t forget to dust furniture, too.
Use a Hypoallergenic Mattress Cover and Pillowcases
Dust mites are a common allergen. If dust mites lead to allergy symptoms, use a protective mattress cover and pillow case. In addition, wash sheets and pillowcases frequently. While dust mites are microscopic, they cause many annoying symptoms, like sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose.
Groom Pets
Pet dander is another common allergy. To keep dandruff under control, groom and bathe pets regularly. WebMD recommends bathing pets weekly.
Check for Mold
Microscopic mold spores trigger allergic reactions. Check the home for mold; look for wet areas in the basement and bathrooms, and clean these areas properly.
Install an In-Duct Air Purifier
When winter allergies lead to congested, runny noses and eye-watering misery, homeowners can integrate a more permanent solution for allergen remediation. An in-duct air purifier fits within the HVAC ductwork to filter out allergens and other particulates that trigger winter allergy symptoms.
Saylors Systems Heating and Air offers the Healthy Climate In-Duct Air Purifier from Lennox. This in-duct purifier filters out these common allergens found in the home:
Dust
Pollen
Mold
Dander
In addition, the purifier's capabilities help reduce unpleasant odors, mitigate viruses and bacteria, and remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and formaldehyde from the air. Not only does the system create cleaner, healthier air throughout the home, but it also improves the airflow.
Is My HVAC System Making Me Sick?
When homeowners are stuck indoors, they might notice their nose running or their throat feeling tickly. The quality of the air in the home impacts health. This is why changing the air filter in the HVAC system is so important. While your HVAC system doesn't make you sick, dirty air can lead to allergy symptoms and other issues.
Debris and dust caked in ductwork pushes particles through the home and integrates with the air you breathe. Mold spores also enter the air, and a quality filter is necessary to clean out these spores. Homeowners might notice that they feel worse in winter because their filter or ductwork is dirty and polluting the air in the home.
Check the air filter, and set a reminder to change it every three months (or more). In addition, homeowners who suffer from allergies should consider an in-duct air purifier to provide additional filtration.
FAQ: Winter Allergies
Why are my allergies acting up in winter?
Allergies flare up in the winter because of allergens in the home. Mold, mildew, pet dander, dust, and other particles get trapped in the home and float invisibly in the air. Take steps to remedy allergens and improve symptoms.
How do you get rid of winter allergies?
Alleviate allergies in winter by addressing the allergens causing the symptoms. Remediate mold and mildew, groom pets regularly (to minimize dander), keep furniture from accumulating too much dust, use protective mattress and pillowcase covers to mitigate dust mites, and remember to change the HVAC air filter!
Can HVAC cause respiratory problems?
The allergens in the home can lead to allergy symptoms. The HVAC air filter is designed to remove some of these allergens from the air. However, not all filters remove all allergens. Read the labels of filters to understand what they help remove. In addition, consider an in-duct filtration system.
Why does my HVAC make me cough?
The dirty air from an unclean duct system or filter leads to coughing or other symptoms. The system does not necessarily lead to these issues.
Do in-duct air purifiers work?
Yes, in-duct air purifiers remove the most common allergens from the air. These purifiers provide better airflow and cleaner air.
What is an air cleaner / purifier for ducts?
An air cleaner / purifier for ducts is a built-in air filtration system that removes allergens, deactivates bacteria and viruses, and mitigates odors. Saylors recommends the Healthy Climate In-Duct Air Purifier from Lennox.
Winter allergies vs cold: which one do I have?
Although multiple winter allergy symptoms are similar to cold symptoms, a typical cold will resolve itself in 7-10 days. Check the blog post above for more about how to use your symptoms as clues to what ails you.
The duct air purifier by HVAC Contractor Davie company has made a noticeable difference in my home's air quality. With winter allergies being a constant struggle, I'm grateful to finally have a solution that works effectively and seamlessly within my HVAC system.