If your heater is making you uncomfortable, it’s time to call in the experts. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
When winter temperatures drop and heaters fire up, many people notice an unexpected side effect: a stuffy nose. If you’ve ever wondered why your nasal passages feel clogged the moment your furnace kicks on, you’re not alone. At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we frequently hear this question from St. Louis homeowners. Let’s break down the reasons behind this all-too-common experience — and what you can do to fix it.
I couldn’t be happier with the service from Thomas Hoffmann Air-Conditioning! From the moment I called, the team was professional, responsive, and truly knowledgeable. Thomas personally made sure everything was handled with great attention to detail. The installation was smooth, efficient, and the quality of the work exceeded my expectations. It’s rare to find a company that is both skilled and genuinely cares about their customers. I highly recommend Thomas Hoffmann Air-Conditioning to anyone looking for honest, reliable, and top-notch service. They’ve definitely earned a loyal customer!
Amazing service from Thomas Hoffmann! They made space in their schedule to come out the next day to fix our air conditioner. They were on time, honest and fixed the problem on the spot. Thank you!
Fast efficient service. Both of the gentlemen that came to my home were very help and informative not to mention polite. It’s difficult to get service advisers to appear at your home when scheduled most times they’re late or don’t show up at all. Not an issue with this team on time, clear diagnosis, quick repair. I would definitely use Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning again. I recommend them highly.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Anna, for your wonderful feedback! We're glad to hear that our team provided you with timely and helpful service, and we appreciate your high recommendation.
First visit for my maintenance program. Arrived on time. Very polite to talk to. They discussed what they did and everything was good. They were professional. I would recommend this company to everyone.
Response from the owner:We're delighted to hear about your positive first visit experience with us! Thank you for recommending our services.
Very knowledgeable. Very professional. Tom was very thorough and finally confirmed the issues in the system that no one else bothered to check.
Response from the owner:Thank you, David, for your kind words; it's great to hear that Tom's thoroughness made a difference in addressing the issues in the system. We look forward to working with you in the future!
I’ve been using “THOMAS Hoffmann Airconditioning and Heating” for years now. We have a 30 +\- year old system that works perfectly for us. Although we’ve not had to use it yet, it is comforting to know they offer a 24 hour on call service. I really appreciate that the technicians don’t try to upsell us on anything. They’re a very professional, knowledgeable, and courteous, local-family owned and operated business. I’ve also found their pricing to be very fair and by”fair” I don’t mean “cheap” but reasonable… especially for the quality of service provided by THOMAS Hoffmann HVAC. I love supporting smaller family owned business and this one is top-notch! Thank you guys!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your continued support and kind words, Mari! We truly appreciate your loyalty and are glad to hear about your positive experiences with our services. We look forward to continuing to provide you with top-notch service in the future.
Great customer service & experience for our HVAC System! They installed two UV lights and a dehumidifier. On time, great service, the new items work great - Great HVAC Service in St. Louis! Thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Brandon, for your wonderful feedback! We're glad to hear that you had a great experience with your installations Your satisfaction is our priority!
Thank you Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning for doing a great of repairing our HVAC system that was damaged during a power outage. You installed our new HVAC system late last year and promptly responded to our call for repair after a power surge impacted our subdivision.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Don, for your kind words! We're glad to hear that Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning was able to assist you so quickly after the power surge and that you're satisfied with your new HVAC system. Your support means a lot to us!
This company is so responsive that I love them. They respond immediately, and I trust them to tell me what needs to be done. I haven’t been steered wrong yet. They are genuinely nice to work with and honest. I use their maintenance program which I highly recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, we truly appreciate your trust in us and are glad to hear about your positive experience with our services.
Quick response and did a great job. On a Saturday.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Scott! We're glad to hear you appreciated the quick response and great service, especially on a Saturday. We look forward to continue serving you.
As owner of rental and living out of town, it is very easy and painless to have Thomas Hoffman schedule all of my seasonal work with the tenant. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting us with your rental property maintenance, Dan! We appreciate your recommendation!
Just had our annual service on our A/C. The technician, Giovanni, was very professional, friendly, thorough and spent time explaining what all he did and what his findings were. Couldn't be happier. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THOMAS HOFFMAN AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING.
Response from the owner:Terry, we're so grateful for your kind words and for recommending us! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our technician during your annual furnace service. Thank you for choosing Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning and Heating!
I called on December 25th at midnight and started leaving a message and Thomas Hoffman the owner called me back almost immediately. He said he would come out the next morning between 8:00 and 10:00 am snd he was promptly on time. He fixed my problem and while he was there I decided to get an estimate for a new furnace and air conditioning unit. The price was very reasonable and the installers one of them being his son were both very professional very courteous, polite, arrived on time and finished the same day. I enjoy knowing that I now have the support of Thomas Hoffman heating and air conditioning along with the peace of mind that comes with owning a Trane. Nothing stops a Trane.
Albert Koesterer
Response from the owner:Albert thanks so much for your kind reviews and your business. We truly appreciate it!!!
I made another service call years after my last review. Once again, Tom did not disappoint. He identified the cause of my newly purchased system installed by another HVAC company. He explained it so simple and easy to understand without the technical jargons. I just wished I had purchased the new equipment from Tom instead of saving a few hundred dollars from his competition.
Response from the owner:Thank you, J, for your kind words! We're glad to hear that Tom was able to assist you so effectively and make everything easy to understand. We appreciate your continued trust in our services and hope to help you again in the future!
I've used these guys twice now and their response time is great, they are friendly, informative, and most importantly, effective. I'm calling these folks every time my furnace sounds weird.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the wonderful feedback, Greg! We're glad to hear that you've had such positive experiences with our team. Providing timely and effective service is our priority, and we're here whenever you need us. Looking forward to assisting you again!
Nick was on he way to our house when I had to cancel my appointment for service. Nick was very understanding and professional about it. While we didn't get to utilize him, I have no doubt he'd have been just as professional in his job.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words. We appreciate your understanding and are glad to hear that Nick made a positive impression. If you ever need our services in the future, don't hesitate to reach out.
I couldn’t be happier with Thomas Hoffman. They are quick, courteous, and super knowledgeable as well as providing service at a good value. Most importantly to me, they have great integrity. I could not recommend them more highly!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Josh and Nikki! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Providing quick, courteous, and knowledgeable service is our priority, and we're glad to know that our efforts resonate with our customers. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Tom was a great service technician- arrived promptly on time - and fixed our issue within a few minutes!! Very nice guy too!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We're glad to hear that Tom provided prompt and effective service. Our team strives to deliver a great experience, and it's fantastic to know that you were satisfied. If you need any assistance in the future, don't hesitate to reach out!
Very prompt and friendly service. Will definitely call them again.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the positive feedback! We're glad to hear that you were pleased with our prompt and friendly service. We look forward to assisting you again in the future!
Tom Hoffmann has been servicing both our residential and commercial equipment for several years. Tom is an experienced, innovative engineer, he can troubleshoot and solve any problem that arises. He has even personally serviced our furnace on a holiday! The trust, communication, knowledge, and relationship we have built is why we choose Tom Hoffmann every time, and highly recommend him to all our colleagues
Response from the owner:Thank you, Dan, for your wonderful review and for highlighting Tom's dedication and expertise; we're grateful for your trust and support over the years!
This was my 1st time using Thomas Hoffmann A/C & Heating, but it will probably not be my last. After calling 📞 a few companies near my location & not getting a response, I decided to call Thomas Hoffman & someone immediately answered. I needed someone to comeout & look at the installation of a new Smart Thermostat & let me know if it was installed properly & if not, install it correctly for me. I was given a appointment on the day that I called for later that morning with a gentleman named Nick who supposedly was the guy that knew all about Thermostats & Wiring. Nick arrived & honestly saved the day. He was very personable & professional & did a very thorough job while explaining everything thoroughly. Nick is a very valuable asset to the Hoffman company & represents their company & himself with great pride. I felt like I was in safe hands, & Nick performed quality work. Thomas Hoffman is a company that U can trust & get ur money's worth if not more. I look forward to doing more business with them in the future....
Response from the owner:Thank you, Harlan, for sharing your experience with us! We're glad to hear that Nick provided such excellent service and made you feel confident in your Smart Thermostat installation. Your trust means a lot to us, and we look forward to serving you again in the future!
My family was having issues with our old water heater leaking gas so we called Thomas Hoffmann’s company to help us. Giovanni and Ryan changed our water heater and replaced it with a new one fast and efficiently. I would recommend anyone looking for efficient and reliable work to give them a call. Thank you guys again!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Michael, for your kind words! We're glad Giovanni and Ryan could assist you with your water heater replacement efficiently. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Great service. Responsive. Well trained technicians. Honest friendly and thorough. I highly recommend Tom Hoffmann and his team.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate your recommendation and are delighted to hear about your positive experience with our team.
Dry Air is the Biggest Culprit
Heated indoor air is notoriously dry. As your heating system warms your home, it often reduces the humidity to levels far below what’s comfortable for your body. The dry air strips moisture from your nasal passages, causing them to dry out, become irritated, and swell slightly, leading to that classic “stuffy” sensation.
Ideal indoor humidity levelsrange from 30% to 50%. Anything lower can make breathing uncomfortable and even contribute to nosebleeds.
Dust, Dander, and Allergens in the Air
When your HVAC system turns on, it circulates air throughout your home, and with it, any dust, pet dander, or other allergens that may be lurking in your ducts or filters. If your system hasn’t been cleaned or maintained recently, you’re essentially breathing in irritants every time the heat runs, which can inflame your nasal passages.
Solution: Regularly replace your HVAC filters (every 1-3 months, depending on your home’s usage) and consider investing in high-quality HEPA filters or air purification systems to reduce airborne particles.
Mold and Mildew Exposure
Although less common, if your HVAC system harbors moisture or has poor ventilation, mold or mildew can develop inside ductwork or around coils. Mold spores are potent allergens and can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, and other respiratory symptoms.
Red Flag: If your stuffy nose is accompanied by a musty smell when the heater is running, it’s time for a professional HVAC inspection.
Sensitivity to Temperature Changes
Some people’s sinuses are sensitive to rapid changes in temperature. Breathing in warm air after exposure to cold air outside can cause the blood vessels in the nose to expand, leading to congestion. This is a natural reaction, but it can feel uncomfortable when it happens repeatedly.
Tip: Gradually warm up your living spaces when possible. Consider wearing a scarf over your nose when transitioning from outdoors to indoors in winter.
How to Breathe Easier This Winter
At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we believe a comfortable home is a healthy home. Here are our top recommendations for reducing winter stuffiness:
Add moisture: Install a whole-home humidifier or use portable humidifiers.
Keep it clean: Replace air filters regularly and schedule annual HVAC maintenance.
Purify the air: Consider air scrubbers, UV lights, or HEPA filtration systems.
Ventilate properly: Ensure your home has adequate ventilation to avoid stale air buildup.
We’re Here to Help
If your heater is making you uncomfortable, it’s time to call in the experts. Our locally owned team specializes in HVAC solutions that improve both comfort and air quality across the St. Louis metro area. From humidifier installations to indoor air quality assessments, Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating has you covered.
Contact Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating Today!
Ready to breathe easier this winter? Contact us today to schedule a consultation or maintenance service. Let’s make your home a haven, not a headache, this heating season!
