Christmas in Ohio is an enchanting experience. With the gentle fall of snowflakes outside and the warmth of holiday gatherings inside, it truly is a magical time of the year. But amidst the festivities, it’s crucial not to overlook the safety of your HVAC system. LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling is here to guide you through some simple precautions that will guarantee a cozy and secure holiday season for you and your loved ones. Let’s celebrate the season while also keeping our homes comfortable and safe!
1. Fire Safety with Decorations
As you adorn your home for Christmas, remember that certain items can be flammable. Therefore, you should exercise extra care to ensure that paper decorations, wrapped packages, blankets, and other flammable objects are kept away from heat sources such as fireplaces or candles. While these elements most definitely add to the festive ambiance, it’s essential to prevent them from becoming fire hazards. If you use heating elements, be sure to extinguish them properly before leaving the house or going to bed.
2. Mind Your Thermostat
While you “deck the halls” with festive decorations, you should also be mindful of where you place them. You want to avoid covering or obstructing your thermostat, as this can interfere with accurate temperature readings and result in ineffective communication with the furnace. Placing objects around or in front of the thermostat can impact the distribution of heat throughout your house, so it’s important to always keep the area clear.
3. Unobstructed HVAC Vents
Another thing you should take into consideration is the placement of bulky items like Christmas trees, ensuring they don’t block HVAC vents. Even though it’s only for the season, temporary spots for larger items can still obstruct vents, negatively affecting airflow and potentially causing a variety of HVAC problems. So, maintaining unobstructed vents to ensure efficient heating during the holiday season is always the best way to go.
4. Winter Precautions for Your Condenser
Although your condenser (outdoor unit) isn’t in use during the winter, you should still take precautions every now and then to keep an eye on it. Periodically check for loose debris around the condenser, such as leaves, twigs, or fallen outdoor items. This is because snow and ice buildup, combined with debris or other items, can damage the unit. As an added tip, you can also utilize a condenser cover for the winter season.
This holiday season, the best thing you can do for your HVAC system is be mindful and stay vigilant. We want nothing more than for you to enjoy your Christmas with your loved ones and family without the unnecessary stress of dealing with an HVAC catastrophe. We are open 24/7, 365 days a year around the clock for emergency services!
If you encounter any HVAC issues this season, remember that LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling is here to help. You can reach us at (614) 837-4822 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!