During the enchanting Christmas season, as snowflakes gather outside and lay on the ground and various corners of your home are filled with seasonal cheer and decorations, it is important to remember to maintain safety measures for your home and HVAC system. It’s all too easy to get carried away with hanging a garland here and a string of Christmas lights there, ultimately forgetting about how some decorations may be causing obstructions to your HVAC system. But your Loveland Heating & Air experts are here to emphasize that by implementing simple precautions, you can ensure a secure and comfortable holiday season for you and your loved ones.
1. Why Should You Be Conscious of Flammable Items?
When decorating for Christmas, it is crucial to keep in mind that certain items are flammable. You should take extra precautions to ensure that paper decorations, wrapped packages, blankets, etc. Are all kept away from heat sources such as fireplaces or candles. Given that these elements are commonly used during this time of the year, you want to ensure that nothing is in close proximity to them as they could potentially pose a fire hazard. Additionally, if you choose to utilize these heating elements, don’t forget to properly extinguish them prior to leaving the house or going to bed.
2. Why Should You Avoid Covering the Thermostat?
It’s important to be mindful of the placement of your festive decorations, particularly around your thermostat. Avoid covering or obstructing the thermostat, as this can lead to inaccurate temperature readings of your home. When this happens, inaccurate readings can result in miscommunication with your furnace and affect the distribution of appropriate heat throughout your house. Therefore, we strongly recommend refraining from placing any objects on top of, in front of, or near your thermostat.
3. Why Should You Avoid Obstructing the Vents?
Another aspect to consider is the HVAC vents. Sometimes, temporary arrangements are made during the holiday season, such as placing bulky items (like the Christmas tree) in certain areas. However, be sure that all HVAC vents remain clear and unobstructed. Blocked vents can cause airflow disruptions and potentially lead to HVAC issues, which is something you definitely want to avoid during the holidays.
4. Why Should You AVoid Clutter & Loose Debris Around Your Condenser?
During the winter season, it is advisable to take certain precautions to ensure the optimal condition of your condenser (outdoor unit), even if it is not in use this season. Regularly checking and clearing the area around the condenser from loose debris like leaves, twigs, and outdoor items is highly recommended. This is important because when combined with snowfall and ice buildup, loose debris or outdoor items can cause damage to the unit. Moreover, it is worth noting that any damage may go unnoticed until the weather warms up and you turn your AC back on. For this reason, we highly suggest doing quick periodic checks of your condenser this season. Additionally, using a condenser cover can provide added protection for your outdoor unit.
By following these simple precautions mentioned below, you can ensure a comfortable and safe Christmas celebration with your loved ones. And in case you encounter any HVAC issues, you can rely on the expertise of Loveland Heating & Air. Feel free to contact us at any time for emergency services – we are available 24/7, 365 days a year!
You can reach us at (513) 216-5913 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
