Christmas in Ohio is such a magical time of the year! You’ve got snow, shopping, baking, and parties with friends and family – it’s all about enjoying the holiday season to the fullest. And let’s not forget about the decorations! They add so much fun and excitement to the festivities. But amidst all the hustle and bustle of the season, we at Eastland Heating & Cooling want to remind you not to overlook your HVAC system. Sometimes, holiday decorations can unintentionally interfere with its performance or, even worse, create a hazardous situation. So, let’s make sure we keep things safe and cozy this holiday season!
1. Flammable Items
When decorating for Christmas, it’s easy to overlook flammable items in the midst of creating a beautiful atmosphere. But it’s imperative to keep things like paper decorations, wrapped packages, blankets, and other flammable stuff away from your heating elements, such as fireplaces and candles. You can’t be too safe when it comes to flammables. If you do use these elements, remember to put them out properly before leaving your home or going to bed.
2. A Covered Thermostat
Who doesn’t love a garland hanging here and there? Just make sure you’re not obstructing your thermostat whilst decorating. More often than you would think, thermostats get overlooked in the decorating process in an effort to get the unsightly box hidden away. But when a thermostat is blocked, it can mess with its ability to accurately read the temperature in your home. Ultimately, your furnace won’t know how much heat to put out, leading to your furnace not appropriately heating your home. So, please take special care not to place anything on top of, around, or in front of the thermostat.
3. Obstructed HVAC Vents
Don’t forget about another important part of your HVAC system – the vents! With all the extra decorations and Christmas trees around your home this season, make sure nothing is blocking those vents. Even though they are only temporary decorations, it’s important that the air your furnace is pushing out can flow freely and remain unobstructed. Just like the thermostat, when the vents are blocked, they won’t do their job properly. And trust us, the last thing you want is for your furnace to act up during the holidays.
4. A Cluttered Condenser
Lastly, don’t forget about your condenser (the outdoor unit). Even though it’s designed to withstand the elements and isn’t used in winter, it’s still a good idea to periodically check for any loose debris like twigs, leaves, or random objects. Snow and ice combined with debris can cause blockages and damage. So, it’s always best to keep the area around the condenser clean and clear. And if you want an extra layer of protection, you can use a condenser cover to keep your outdoor unit safe during winter.
The best thing you can do for your HVAC system this Christmas is to be mindful and stay vigilant. We want you to be able to enjoy your Christmas with your loved ones without the unnecessary stress of dealing with an HVAC problem. We’re here for you 24/7, 365 days a year, ready to help in case of HVAC emergencies. You can give us a call anytime, and we’ll be there as soon as we can. Doesn’t matter what time of the year it is!
Call Eastland Heating & Cooling today at (614) 861-5203, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!