Christmas In Ohio is a magical time of year! With snow, shopping, baking, and parties with friends and family, there are plenty of holiday activities to enjoy. Seasonal decorations are a big part of the fun, but it’s important to remember to place them strategically. Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning doesn’t want you to forget about your HVAC system in the midst of the hustle and bustle. Holiday decorations can sometimes interfere with your HVAC system’s performance or even create hazards. Stay mindful and keep your home safe this holiday season.
1. Are There Flammable Items Placed Near Any Heating Elements?
When decorating for Christmas, it’s important not to forget about placing flammable items near heating elements. We can easily get caught up in the festive atmosphere, but you want to be mindful of things like paper decorations, wrapped packages, blankets, and other flammable objects being too close to heat sources, such as fireplaces and candles. Additionally, if you use these elements, be extra careful to extinguish them properly before leaving your home or going to bed.
2. Is the Thermostat Covered or Obstructed?
Next, avoid placing garlands, strings of Christmas lights, or any other decorations on top of or in front of the thermostat. This is because when the thermostat is covered or impeded, it may not accurately read the temperature properly, leading to improper communication with the furnace and potentially affecting the amount of heat your home receives.
3. Are the HVAC Vents Clear?
Another thing you should keep in mind is your HVAC vents. With more items (like the Christmas tree) and other decorations in your home during this season, make sure nothing is blocking your vents. Even though it’s only temporary, it’s equally important to stay vigilant and ensure that nothing obstructs the vents. Just like the thermostat, blocked vents cannot do their job properly. And the last thing you want is for your furnace to have problems during the holidays.
4. Is the Area Around Your Condenser Clear?
Lastly, it’s important to pay attention to your condenser (the outdoor unit). Even though the condenser is designed to withstand outdoor weather and is not used in winter, it’s still a good idea to periodically ensure that it’s not surrounded by loose debris like twigs, leaves, or other objects. Snow and ice, coupled with loose debris or clutter from outdoor objects, can cause blockages and damage the unit. So, it’s best to keep the area around the condenser clear. As an extra layer of protection, you can use a condenser cover in winter.
To ensure a worry-free Christmas with your loved ones, it’s important to be mindful and stay vigilant when it comes to your HVAC system. By taking these simple steps, you can avoid unnecessary stress and potential HVAC issues during the holiday season. However, in case you do experience a holiday emergency, we are available around the clock, every day of the year, for emergency services! Feel free to reach out to us anytime, and we’ll respond as soon as possible. Rest assured, we’re here to help, no matter the time of year!
Call Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning today at (740) 625-2320, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
