Why Winter Allergies Are a Problem in Southwest Connecticut
Many homeowners in Southwest Connecticut believe that allergies are only a spring or summer concern. However, February’s indoor heating season can create a perfect storm for winter allergens. Homes are tightly sealed to conserve heat, which traps dust, pet dander, mold spores, and other irritants inside.
Multi-generational households, homes with pets, and properties with basements or attics prone to moisture can all experience elevated allergen levels. These conditions can cause congestion, itchy eyes, coughing, and worsen asthma or other respiratory conditions.
How Indoor Heating Contributes to Allergens
1. Forced-Air HVAC Systems Spread Allergens
Furnaces and heat pumps circulate air throughout your home. Without proper filtration and maintenance, allergens are distributed evenly, increasing exposure in every room.
2. Dry Air Irritation
Heated air during February can become extremely dry, aggravating nasal passages and skin, and making you more sensitive to airborne particles.
3. Moisture and Mold
Basements, attics, or crawlspaces that trap moisture can create mold-friendly environments. When your HVAC system circulates this air, spores may reach living spaces.
Tips to Reduce Allergens During Winter Heating
1. Upgrade Furnace Filters
High-efficiency filters, like HEPA or MERV-rated options, trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores more effectively than standard filters. Replace them monthly for maximum protection.
2. Clean and Seal Ductwork
Over time, dust and allergens accumulate in ducts. Professional cleaning removes these contaminants, and sealing leaks prevents them from re-entering your home’s air supply.
3. Add a Humidifier
Maintaining indoor humidity between 30–50% keeps air from becoming too dry, reducing irritation and helping allergens settle rather than circulate. Whole-home or portable humidifiers are effective solutions.
4. Ventilate Strategically
Even in cold February weather, short bursts of ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry areas help remove moisture and airborne allergens without significant heat loss.
5. Maintain Clean Surfaces
Regular vacuuming with HEPA-filter vacuums, dusting, and laundering bedding reduces allergens before they reach your HVAC system.
Local Insight
Southwest Connecticut homes—ranging from colonial homes in Fairfield County to split-levels in Milford—face winter-specific allergen challenges. Older homes may have drafts or uneven ductwork that traps dust, while newer homes, tightly sealed for energy efficiency, may circulate indoor irritants more. Local HVAC professionals understand these nuances and can provide solutions tailored to your home’s design, size, and heating system.
Aire Serv of Southwest Connecticut Can Help
Aire Serv offers comprehensive indoor air quality solutions to reduce allergens and improve comfort during February, including:
- High-efficiency filter upgrades
- Duct cleaning and sealing
- Humidifier installation and maintenance
- HVAC inspections to ensure efficient airflow
Keep your Southwest Connecticut home safe, comfortable, and allergen-free this winter—schedule an indoor air quality consultation with Aire Serv today.
