If you're anything like us here in Atlanta, you've had the heater cranked up for a few weeks now – especially yesterday when we got some honest-to-goodness snow (which didn't stick, but still). And while we certainly wouldn't advise against turning off your heater, allergy sufferers should be aware of a few issues that come along with heating your home in the winter.

Firstly, remember to keep your furnace filters fresh. They should be changed every three months, minimum, but when allergens are prolific, filters can get saturated more quickly. We suggest checking your filter every month or so, and if it looks like it needs to be changed – do it. Dirty filters cause your heater to run inefficiently, and therefore cost you more in energy costs. Furthermore, unchanged filters can send allergens blowing out of vents and into your breathing zone.

Secondly, the air from forced air heating systems, the kind used in most homes, can make the air in your home extremely dry. Not only is this dry air harmful to wooden floors and furniture, but it can wreck havoc on sensitive skin and sinuses. Allergy sufferers should check humidity levels with a hygrometer, and should have humidifiers on-hand to combat the effects of dry air. An added bonus: Air that's more humid feels warmer, so using a humidifier could also cut down on your heating costs while making sure that skin and nasal passages don't get too dried out.

For more information, see:

• Furnace Filter Buying Guide
• When's the Last Time You Changed Your Furnace Filter?
• Benefits of Home Humidification